Welcome back to Sustaining Our City! Building on the last segment’s Ecotourism topic, we’ll be diving into a fantastic local tourist spot that deserves its own exclusive highlight. In the heart of Chicago’s North Side lies a beautiful location for all nature-lovers looking to enjoy the environment of our city while contributing to an admirable legacy. This spot is none other than Chicago’s Wild Mile.
The Wild Mile is a stretch of the Chicago River in the Goose Island area, which was created by Urban Rivers as a nonprofit project. The Wild Mile is an amazing development that strives to nourish habitats and species that were once native to Chicago’s freshwater. Before industrialized into the city we all know, Chicago was a distinct wetland area that was home to several river ecosystems. Since urbanization, Chicago’s water has no longer been able to house the habitats it once did. The Wild Mile’s goal is to return those species to the stretch of land they used to call home.
This river stretch is also an admirable example of zero-waste practices. The founders created the floating ecosystems that house wetland species using recycled material and lumber that was on its way to the landfill before Urban Rivers’ intervention. Known as the world’s first floating eco-park, The Wild Mile not only performs revolutionary acts of species preservation; the founders made it a secondary goal of the river to be a widely appealing public space for Chicagoans to engage with, flourishing the natural space with constant appreciation.
To encourage public use of this space, The Wild Mile is open 24/7 for recreational, educational, and plenty more purposes. The founders’ vision in making this a public space included that “Hopefully people come away realizing this is a natural resource that’s ready to be retaken by people and wildlife”. Not only can you take time out of your day to walk the paths along the land and sit on the bay enjoying the river’s gorgeous view, but Urban Rivers also hosts tons of events to even further draw the public to the area. These often include educational seminars, jam sessions, and yoga nights, as well as plenty more! See my list of Wild Mile resources below to find out which upcoming event is right for you!
In the corner of our very own Lincoln Park neighborhood, The Wild Mile is an excellent example of sustainable ecotourism. We can enjoy this space any time, any day we choose, and the legacy that built the stretch in the first place is enough to spark inspiration in all of our sustainable goals. I know a walk along The Wild Mile is definitely on my bucket list before graduation – will it be on yours?
Wild Mile Resources:
–The Wild Mile Makes Headlines!
–UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE WILD MILE!
About the Author
Hi! My name is Margo Halbleib; I’m a Junior studying Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies with a minor in Music Business. I’m on the Pre-Law path, passionate about environmental justice and sustainable practices. At DePaul we have the unique opportunity to enjoy this gorgeous city; it’s our responsibility to protect its beauty – follow along to discover how you can contribute!
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