Middlefork Savanna One of 10 Sites Honored in the Chicago Region
January 13, 2015 03:00 PM
Middlefork Savanna
© LCFPD
The Chicago Wilderness alliance recently honored the Lake County Forest Preserves for achieving the Excellence in Ecological Restoration accreditation.
From vast woodlands to rolling prairies, the Chicago Wilderness Excellence in Ecological Restoration program showcases excellence in conservation leadership and site-based restoration by recognizing high-quality natural areas and the organizations that manage them.
Through the program, which was developed with support from ArcelorMittal and launched in 2013, organizations conduct comprehensive self-assessments of their restoration programs and the quality of the natural areas being accredited. The assessments are based on a set of rigorous, science-based standards that recognize best practices in natural resource management. Conservation experts from across the region review the assessments to determine if the site meets one of the accreditation levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze.
The Lake County Forest Preserves received a Platinum accreditation, the highest level possible, for Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve in Lake Forest.
“This Platinum accreditation recognizes the expertise, creativity and drive of our natural resource staff in forming and leading a coalition of federal, state and regional partners to restore Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve,” said Ann B. Maine, President of the Lake County Forest Preserves. “We greatly appreciate the work of Chicago Wilderness and the certification team in recognizing the many outstanding efforts underway to improve ecological restoration throughout the region.”
The natural areas of Chicago’s wilderness are home to a wide diversity of species and rare habitats that provide the region’s residents with opportunities for recreation and exploration, as well as clean air and water, flood protection and so much more. Yet the region’s natural areas are threatened by fragmentation, invasive plant and animal species, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. To address these threats, the Lake County Forest Preserves actively restores and maintains the health of local nature, to benefit both people and wildlife.
“The Chicago Wilderness alliance is so pleased to recognize the Lake County Forest Preserves,” said Suzanne Malec-McKenna, Executive Director of Chicago Wilderness. “They are helping to ensure that our region’s natural heritage remains vibrant for generations to come.” Malec-McKenna presented the award to Lake County Forest Preserve President Ann Maine during the Board's monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 13.
About Middlefork Savanna
Home to a rare tallgrass savanna, Middlefork Savanna features a mix of oak savanna and woodlands, wet and mesic prairies, sedge meadows and marshes. Middlefork provides valuable protection for many state and federally listed species. A 25-acre parcel here is considered the highest quality tallgrass savanna of its kind in the nation and recognized as a globally threatened ecosystem.
Once part of a large glacial lake, Middlefork Savanna provides safe harbor for endangered plant and wildlife species, and several environmentally sensitive wetlands that feed into the North Branch of the Chicago River. Chicago Wilderness has identified Middlefork Savanna as one of the most important sites for biodiversity in northeastern Illinois. Because of its size, Middlefork supports an impressive list of uncommon birds, butterflies and other species that require large open areas for survival. Middlefork also serves as a national ecological research site and outdoor classroom for universities, schools, and other organizations.
Chicago Wilderness
Chicago Wildernessis a regional alliance that connects people and nature. More than 300 organizations work together to restore local nature and improve the quality of life for all who live here, by protecting the lands and waters on which we all depend. www.chicagowilderness.org.
Media Contact: Jim Anderson, Natural Resources Manager, janderson@LCFPD.org, 847-968-3282.
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