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The Latest from the Coalition
On this page you can find the latest news from the Coalition, including stories of restoration successes, profiles of ongoing clean water issues, policy updates, and press releases.
Tree Equity Grants Restore Urban Tree Canopies in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin
To help combat tree inequity, nonprofit environmental advocacy organization Faith in Place was awarded $1.99 million by the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to increase urban tree canopies in the Great Lakes region. Made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, these funds will allow Faith in Place to facilitate tree planning and workforce development projects at faith institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
The Wild Mile: Floating Wetlands Restore Diverse Wildlife to the Chicago River
Deep in the heart of urban Chicago, a network of floating wetlands is restoring native wildlife habitats, increasing biodiversity, and encouraging recreation along the north branch of the Chicago River. Known as The Wild Mile, the interconnected islands were installed by grassroots environmental restoration organization Urban Rivers in 2017 and have since been dubbed the world’s first floating eco-park.
Combating Heat Islands in Disadvantaged Neighborhoods
The Village of Skokie, Illinois, is planting at least 450 trees by 2028, reducing heat islands and improving health outcomes for its 68,000 residents.
Protecting People from Toxic Fish in Illinois
Analysis of fish from Lake Michigan for toxic PFOS will aid in more accurate fish consumption advisories, protecting human health.
Planting Trees Provides Shade, Water Management
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has helped fund the replacement of hundreds of trees in the Chicago area that were destroyed by the Emerald ash borer.
Stabilizing Bull Creek Reduces Erosion, Improves Wetland Habitat
Bull Creek’s streambed and banks were stabilized, preventing erosion and reducing sediment pollution in wetland habitats and Lake Michigan.
Replanting Trees Reduces Stormwater Runoff Improves Lake Michigan Water Quality
Fifty trees planted along roads to partially replace the ash trees lost following an emerald ash borer infestation are decreasing runoff into Lake Michigan.
Chicago-Area Great Lakes Restoration Projects: Producing Results for People, Communities
The Great Lakes provide drinking water for 30 million people, but they remain threatened by toxic pollution, invasive species, polluted runoff, and habitat destruction. The report chronicles Great Lakes restoration success stories throughout the Chicago, Ill., region.