A Healthy Nature Handbook

The Chicago metropolitan area is home to far more protected nature than most people realize. Over half a million acres ofprotected land known as the Chicago Wilderness are owned and managed by county forest preserve districts and otherpublic and private sector partners. But there’s a critical factor of the Chicago Wilderness conservation effort that makes itunique: a pioneering grassroots volunteer community, thousands strong, has worked for decades alongside agency staffto restore these nearby natural areas, learning how to manage biodiversity in an altered and ever-changing urban context. A Healthy Nature Handbook captures hard-earned ecological wisdom from this community in engaging and highlyreadable chapters, each including illustrated restoration sequences. Restoration leaders cover large-scale seedingapproaches, native seed production, wetland and grassland bird habitat restoration, monitoring, and communitybuilding. Contributions from local artists bring the region’s beauty to life with vibrant watercolors, oil paintings, and sketches. AHealthy Nature Handbook is packed with successful approaches to restoring nature and is a testament to both the Chicagoregion’s surprising natural wealth and the stewards that are committed to its lasting health.