An effort is underway to reintroduce a natural habitats along a stretch of postindustrial Chicago River canal-scape. Floating garden modules are being used to attract species back to the area.
Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and Urban Rivers have joined forces to implement what Patrick M. O'Connell calls "the beginning of a vision to turn the old industrial channel on Goose Island's eastern edge into a 'wild mile,' an eco-park of floating plants, wetlands, kayak piers and public walkways."
Shedd's floating garden plan calls for the addition of "260 square feet of native plants such as swamp rose mallow, marsh marigold, Dudley's rush and queen-of-the-prairie to the 1,500 square feet installed a year ago by Urban Rivers."
While the design is "wildlife-first," it also promises to rejuvenate the former industrial district for human use. "With people now flocking to the banks of the river downtown along the booming Riverwalk, the Urban Rivers and Shedd projects are designed to boost the river habitat while delivering appealing, accessible experiences to the more industrial, less trafficked stretches of the river."
FULL STORY: A 'wild mile' on the Chicago River? It might be closer than you think
North Branch of the Chicago River Transforming Into a ‘Wild Mile’
A remarkable transformation is underway along the North Branch of the Chicago River, after being channelized and brutalized for well over a century.
Mayor Emanuel Wants to Open More of the Chicago River to the Public
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A new study includes urban rivers as a potential powerful amenity for economic development and revitalization. The city of Chicago has already taken note.
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
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MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
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Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
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