Religious Education - Chicago Resources


Resources for Chicago Area Nature Encounters For a great resource for Chicago Area Nature Organization, look at Chicagoland Environmental Network Site, found at http://www.chicagoenvironment.org Chicago Wilderness is a beautiful new magazine, the first magazine dedicated to providing news and information about the native animals, plants, and ecosystems of the Chicago region--and about the people who cherish and protect them. It shows the wild nature that thrives in 200,000 acres of protected lands in northeastern Illinois, southeast Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. It is Ïdedicated to the proposition that people and nature can be good for each other." To subscribe, send name and address to Chicago Wilderness magazine, P.O. Box 268 Downers Grove, IL 60515-8358, $12/yr Chicago Wilderness: An Atlas of Biodiversity a 64 page full color book describing plants, animals and natural communities of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, with numerous maps and photographs. It was produced for the citizens of the region by the partner agencies of the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council. For a copy send name and address and $5.00 for shipping and handling to Growit Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 208 Downers Grove, IL 60515-0208. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Or pick up a copy for free at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, IL; Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, 300 E. Kemil, at Highway 12, Porter, IL; The Nature Conservancy, 8 South Michigan, Suite 900, Chicago, IL; Volo Bog Visitor Center, 28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside, IL; or Willowbrook Nature Center, 525 S. Park, Glen Ellen, IL. Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide, issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in conjunction with the Illinois Watchable Wildlife ProjectÛfeatures 94 of IllinoisÌ most scenic and educational natural areas, including 23 in the Chicago region. The book also includes nearly 100 color photographs of Illinois wildlife, viewing tips, detailed habitat and wildlife descriptions, in-depth maps and/or directions. See http://dnr.state.il.us. The guide is 8.95 in bookstores, or order through IDNR Merchandise at 217-782-1687 or by fax 217-782-9552. (Description from Chicago Wilderness, Winter 1998, p. 29). The Nature of Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Sites in and Around the City. Isabel S. Abrams. Chicago Review Press, 1997. $14.95. Museums and Field Trips Brookfield Zoo is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, whose mission is Ïto help people develop a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. In so doing, the Society shall provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife, and the discovery ofÜ biological knowledge. The Zoo has adult classes, childrenÌs classes and childrenÌs summer camp programs. With membership, you get a quarterly magazine, to call for membership- 708-485-0263 x 341. See their Web site, http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/ Most of Brookfield Zoo's conservation and research programs are based in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Conservation Biology and Research Center, which houses the departments of Conservation Biology, Nutrition Services, and Communications Research, as well as the Behavioral Enrichment Program. See www.brookfieldzoo.org The Field Museum of Natural History, was founded in 1893 and is "an educational institution concerned with the diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures," maintaining a vast collection of items in the areas of anthropology, botany, geology, and zoology. Researchers and the public alike draw from this collection to gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the natural world. See http://www.fmnh.org/. Garfield Park Conservatory is one of two historic conservatories owned and operated by the Chicago Park District. Built in 1907 by the great landscape architect Jens Jensen, this revolutionary building is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Its sister facility is the Lincoln Park Conservatory located in Lincoln Park. The mission of the two conservatories is: To provide a botanical haven in the city which promotes an appreciation and understanding of plants http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/. They have Lectures, Education Programs and Activities, call (773) 638-1766 Lincoln Park Zoo The nation's oldest zoo and one of the last free zoos in the country. In 1868, the gift of a pair of swans began Lincoln Park Zoo and its commitment to the world's wildlife. Continually evolving and improving since thatÜ time, Lincoln Park Zoo is now a leader in wildlife conservation, community education and recreation. More than 1,000 animals make their home here. Rare and exotic species, as well as more familiar animals, are exhibited in environments that reflect their habitats in the wild. http://www.lpzoo.com/ Morton Arboretum Their mission is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance our environment. Our goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. 4100 Illinois Route 53 › Lisle, IL 60532-1293, (630)-968-0074 E-mail: trees@mortonarb.org. Web site is http://www.mortonarb.org/index.html. The Nature Museum. A new state-of-the-art museum created by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, is an environmental museum for the 21^st century, located on the North Pond of Lincoln Park. Their future site will be the northwest corner of Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive, at 2060 N. Clark St. Call 773-549-0606, FAX 773-549-5199. Visitors are able Ïto walk amongst hundreds of Midwest species of Butterflies in Butterfly Haven; meet the tiny creatures that inhabit every city home in City Science; connect with visitors inside and outside the museum to discuss pressing environmental issues in Environmental Central; learn the impact of rivers and lakes on daily life in Water Works; and explore the Biodiversity of the Midwest in Wilderness Walk. The Nature Museum will also feature a kid-friendly ChildrenÌs Gallery designed to teach children aged three to eight about the environment. The Academy is also working with area residents to restore the pond and surrounding park as a viable habitat for native plants and wildlife. The Nature Museum is a $30 million project, the Chicago Park District has offered to match private contributions for the building and exhibits. The new Nature Museum will open October 23, 1999. The Chicago Academy of Sciences, founded in 1857, was the first museum in Chicago. It is the only museum to specialize in the ecology and natural history of the Midwest, from the Great Lakes to the prairies, natural to urban areas. For membership information, call 773-549-0606 ext 2057, or see web site www.chias.org. Shedd Aquarium, a non-profit institution dedicated to public education and conservation, is the worldÌs largest indoor aquarium. See http://www.sheddaquarium.org/. Serving an audience of almost two million visitors annually, the facility houses nearly 8,000 aquatic animals representing 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is known as "The World's Aquarium." Back to Education

Resources for Chicago Area Nature Encounters

For a great resource for Chicago Area Nature Organization, look at Chicagoland Environmental Network Site, found at http://www.chicagoenvironment.org

Chicago Wilderness is a beautiful new magazine, the first magazine dedicated to providing news and information about the native animals, plants, and ecosystems of the Chicago region--and about the people who cherish and protect them. It shows the wild nature that thrives in 200,000 acres of protected lands in northeastern Illinois, southeast Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. It is Ïdedicated to the proposition that people and nature can be good for each other." To subscribe, send name and address to Chicago Wilderness magazine, P.O. Box 268 Downers Grove, IL 60515-8358, $12/yr

Chicago Wilderness: An Atlas of Biodiversity a 64 page full color book describing plants, animals and natural communities of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, with numerous maps and photographs. It was produced for the citizens of the region by the partner agencies of the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council. For a copy send name and address and $5.00 for shipping and handling to Growit Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 208 Downers Grove, IL 60515-0208. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Or pick up a copy for free at Fullersburg Woods, 3609 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, IL; Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, 300 E. Kemil, at Highway 12, Porter, IL; The Nature Conservancy, 8 South Michigan, Suite 900, Chicago, IL; Volo Bog Visitor Center, 28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside, IL; or Willowbrook Nature Center, 525 S. Park, Glen Ellen, IL.

Illinois Wildlife and Nature Viewing Guide, issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) in conjunction with the Illinois Watchable Wildlife ProjectÛfeatures 94 of IllinoisÌ most scenic and educational natural areas, including 23 in the Chicago region. The book also includes nearly 100 color photographs of Illinois wildlife, viewing tips, detailed habitat and wildlife descriptions, in-depth maps and/or directions. See http://dnr.state.il.us. The guide is 8.95 in bookstores, or order through IDNR Merchandise at 217-782-1687 or by fax 217-782-9552. (Description from Chicago Wilderness, Winter 1998, p. 29).

The Nature of Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Sites in and Around the City. Isabel S. Abrams. Chicago Review Press, 1997. $14.95.

Museums and Field Trips

Brookfield Zoo is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, whose mission is Ïto help people develop a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. In so doing, the Society shall provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife, and the discovery ofÜ biological knowledge. The Zoo has adult classes, childrenÌs classes and childrenÌs summer camp programs. With membership, you get a quarterly magazine, to call for membership- 708-485-0263 x 341. See their Web site, http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/ Most of Brookfield Zoo's conservation and research programs are based in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Conservation Biology and Research Center, which houses the departments of Conservation Biology, Nutrition Services, and Communications Research, as well as the Behavioral Enrichment Program. See www.brookfieldzoo.org

The Field Museum of Natural History, was founded in 1893 and is "an educational institution concerned with the diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures," maintaining a vast collection of items in the areas of anthropology, botany, geology, and zoology. Researchers and the public alike draw from this collection to gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the natural world. See http://www.fmnh.org/.

Garfield Park Conservatory is one of two historic conservatories owned and operated by the Chicago Park District. Built in 1907 by the great landscape architect Jens Jensen, this revolutionary building is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Its sister facility is the Lincoln Park Conservatory located in Lincoln Park. The mission of the two conservatories is: To provide a botanical haven in the city which promotes an appreciation and understanding of plants http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/. They have Lectures, Education Programs and Activities, call (773) 638-1766

Lincoln Park Zoo The nation's oldest zoo and one of the last free zoos in the country. In 1868, the gift of a pair of swans began Lincoln Park Zoo and its commitment to the world's wildlife. Continually evolving and improving since thatÜ time, Lincoln Park Zoo is now a leader in wildlife conservation, community education and recreation. More than 1,000 animals make their home here. Rare and exotic species, as well as more familiar animals, are exhibited in environments that reflect their habitats in the wild. http://www.lpzoo.com/

Morton Arboretum Their mission is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world, to display them across naturally beautiful landscapes for people to study and enjoy, and to learn how to grow them in ways that enhance our environment. Our goal is to encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. 4100 Illinois Route 53 › Lisle, IL 60532-1293, (630)-968-0074 E-mail: trees@mortonarb.org. Web site is http://www.mortonarb.org/index.html.

The Nature Museum. A new state-of-the-art museum created by the Chicago Academy of Sciences, is an environmental museum for the 21^st century, located on the North Pond of Lincoln Park. Their future site will be the northwest corner of Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive, at 2060 N. Clark St. Call 773-549-0606, FAX 773-549-5199. Visitors are able Ïto walk amongst hundreds of Midwest species of Butterflies in Butterfly Haven; meet the tiny creatures that inhabit every city home in City Science; connect with visitors inside and outside the museum to discuss pressing environmental issues in Environmental Central; learn the impact of rivers and lakes on daily life in Water Works; and explore the Biodiversity of the Midwest in Wilderness Walk. The Nature Museum will also feature a kid-friendly ChildrenÌs Gallery designed to teach children aged three to eight about the environment.

The Academy is also working with area residents to restore the pond and surrounding park as a viable habitat for native plants and wildlife. The Nature Museum is a $30 million project, the Chicago Park District has offered to match private contributions for the building and exhibits. The new Nature Museum will open October 23, 1999.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences, founded in 1857, was the first museum in Chicago. It is the only museum to specialize in the ecology and natural history of the Midwest, from the Great Lakes to the prairies, natural to urban areas. For membership information, call 773-549-0606 ext 2057, or see web site www.chias.org.

Shedd Aquarium, a non-profit institution dedicated to public education and conservation, is the worldÌs largest indoor aquarium. See http://www.sheddaquarium.org/. Serving an audience of almost two million visitors annually, the facility houses nearly 8,000 aquatic animals representing 650 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the world. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Shedd Aquarium is known as "The World's Aquarium."

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