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 What You Can Do
Learning and Exploring
The first step in protecting our world is to learn more about how the web of life functions. Consider exploring the outdoors more and talking to professionals in the field by visiting parks, museums, and preserves where you can watch nature at work.
Take your friends and family along so you can all become better acquainted with issues that are affecting biodiversity right in your own backyard. Make a point of attending some of the special events, educational programs, and classes offered by community organizations, museums, and park districts.
Remember that one of the best ways to foster empathy for the plants and animals around us is by sharing and personally experiencing the connections among all living things.
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The Field Museum
For more than 100 years, scientists from The Field Museum have traveled the world documenting biodiversity and developing conservation strategies. The Museum’s collections of artifacts and specimens gathered during these journeys are available to the public through our many awe-inspiring Exhibitions that take you to some of the most breathtaking yet fragile habitats on Earth.
In addition, The Field Museum’s ongoing Education Programs offer year-round field trips, classes, on-line expeditions, and other exciting opportunities for individuals, families, teachers, and students to engage in environmental learning and action. These hands-on experiences lead to better understanding of and solutions to scientific and conservation issues that affect us all.
 SPECIAL PROGRAM:
The Year of Biodiversity and Conservation
To increase awareness of biodiversity, we’ve dedicated this school year as “The Year of Biodiversity and Conservation.” From September 2003 through May 2004, we’ll offer exclusive opportunities to meet our scientists, hear lectures, visit special exhibitions, and participate in educational programs presenting Museum science in service to the Earth and its inhabitants.
Each month we’ll highlight a different theme, bringing important perspectives to some of the most provocative and pressing environmental issues of our time. Exciting topics include climate change, freshwater conservation, and plant and animal biodiversity in the tropics.
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 North Park Village Nature Center
Located on the northwest side of the City, the North Park Village Nature Center is an enormous 46-acre nature preserve where Chicagoans can learn about and enjoy the riches of biodiversity right in their own backyard. The complex includes an educational facility where visitors can interact with wildlife, plants, and other natural resources through environmental education programs.
To learn more, visit the North Park Village Nature Center website.
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Chicago Wilderness
Living among the urban environment that stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan are islands of green that harbor some of the rarest communities of plants and animals on earth. Together these areas are known as the Chicago Wilderness.
More than 200,000 acres of protected natural lands and many unprotected natural areas make up this wilderness. Forest preserves, state parks, federal lands, county preserves, and privately owned lands that serve as wildlife refuges are scattered throughout Illinois and nearby Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
To learn more about places to see or things to do in these areas, visit the Chicago Wilderness website.
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Chicago Center for Green Technology
The buildings, grounds, and programs offered at Chicago’s Center for Green Technology help homeowners, architects, and builders learn how green technology is cost effective and good for the environment and people.
To attend one of their many professional workshops and free public programs, visit the Chicago Center for Green Technology website.
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Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits
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