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134-667: In the 1970s the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory selected the best quality surviving natural habitats within the state. All of these areas combined constituted seven-hundredths of one percent of the original land mass it once covered. Due to this dramatic decrease of naturally occurring ecosystems, the Chicago Region Biodiversity Council, or Chicago Wilderness, was formed in 1996. This collection of 34 separate organizations, including state, local, and federal agencies, joined forces as they all shared

268-998: A "Status Report" was provided about the progress of an Ad Hoc Transition Working Group transitioning the organization from a staffed one to a volunteer-driven effort. Chicago Wilderness stretches from southwest Michigan , to northwest Indiana , reaching through northern Illinois , and southern Wisconsin . It is home to a variety of ecosystems sustaining life to thousands of native plants and animal species, including almost 200 listed endangered or threatened species in Illinois. The various ecological communities contain: prairies , woodlands, including savannas , open woodlands, flatwoods and forests , wetlands , which encompass marshes , sedge meadows, bogs , seeps , springs and swamps , rivers and lakes . Chicago Wilderness has four major initiatives it strives to improve through its presence: Climate Change, Green Infrastructure Vision: Bringing Nature to People, Leave No Child Inside, and Restoring

402-498: A body of liquid on the surface of a world that is localized to the bottom of basin (another type of landform or terrain feature; that is, it is not global) and moves slowly if it moves at all. On Earth, a body of water is considered a lake when it is inland, not part of the ocean, is larger and deeper than a pond, and is fed by a river. The only world other than Earth known to harbor lakes is Titan , Saturn's largest moon, which has lakes of ethane , most likely mixed with methane . It

536-498: A body of liquid on the surface of a world that is localized to the bottom of basin (another type of landform or terrain feature; that is, it is not global) and moves slowly if it moves at all. On Earth, a body of water is considered a lake when it is inland, not part of the ocean, is larger and deeper than a pond, and is fed by a river. The only world other than Earth known to harbor lakes is Titan , Saturn's largest moon, which has lakes of ethane , most likely mixed with methane . It

670-644: A common vision consisting of the restoration and improvement of the biodiversity of the Chicago area. In 2002, Chicago Wilderness established its Corporate Council. The Corporate Council, which includes 34 organizations, was created to influence a healthy relationship between people and nature and to continue to increase the biological diversity within the region. Since it was established, Chicago Wilderness has increased its member count to over 250 different public and private organizations who work together to conserve and protect these diminishing ecosystems. On March 29, 2017,

804-449: A continual basis. The total number of species is in rapid decline. The origin of life on Earth is not well understood, but it is known to have occurred at least 3.5 billion years ago, during the hadean or archean eons on a primordial Earth that had a substantially different environment than is found at present. These life forms possessed the basic traits of self-replication and inheritable traits. Once life had appeared,

938-449: A continual basis. The total number of species is in rapid decline. The origin of life on Earth is not well understood, but it is known to have occurred at least 3.5 billion years ago, during the hadean or archean eons on a primordial Earth that had a substantially different environment than is found at present. These life forms possessed the basic traits of self-replication and inheritable traits. Once life had appeared,

1072-513: A degree or two of average global temperature have historically had major effects on the ecological balance, and on the actual geography of the Earth. Geology is the science and study of the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth. The field of geology encompasses the study of the composition, structure , physical properties , dynamics, and history of Earth materials , and the processes by which they are formed, moved, and changed. The field

1206-465: A degree or two of average global temperature have historically had major effects on the ecological balance, and on the actual geography of the Earth. Geology is the science and study of the solid and liquid matter that constitutes the Earth. The field of geology encompasses the study of the composition, structure , physical properties , dynamics, and history of Earth materials , and the processes by which they are formed, moved, and changed. The field

1340-406: A dependence on the seasonal variation of the weather, and sudden changes lasting only a few years can have a dramatic effect, both on the vegetation and on the animals which depend on its growth for their food. Climate is a measure of the long-term trends in the weather. Various factors are known to influence the climate , including ocean currents, surface albedo , greenhouse gases , variations in

1474-406: A dependence on the seasonal variation of the weather, and sudden changes lasting only a few years can have a dramatic effect, both on the vegetation and on the animals which depend on its growth for their food. Climate is a measure of the long-term trends in the weather. Various factors are known to influence the climate , including ocean currents, surface albedo , greenhouse gases , variations in

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1608-643: A distinction between the natural and the artificial, with the artificial being understood as that which has been brought into being by a human consciousness or a human mind . Depending on the particular context, the term "natural" might also be distinguished from the unnatural or the supernatural . The word nature is borrowed from the Old French nature and is derived from the Latin word natura , or "essential qualities, innate disposition", and in ancient times, literally meant " birth ". In ancient philosophy, natura

1742-544: A distinction between the natural and the artificial, with the artificial being understood as that which has been brought into being by a human consciousness or a human mind . Depending on the particular context, the term "natural" might also be distinguished from the unnatural or the supernatural . The word nature is borrowed from the Old French nature and is derived from the Latin word natura , or "essential qualities, innate disposition", and in ancient times, literally meant " birth ". In ancient philosophy, natura

1876-578: A dynamic dimension then, especially for Heraclitus ), and has steadily gained currency ever since. Earth is the only planet known to support life , and its natural features are the subject of many fields of scientific research. Within the Solar System , it is third closest to the Sun; it is the largest terrestrial planet and the fifth largest overall. Its most prominent climatic features are its two large polar regions, two relatively narrow temperate zones, and

2010-478: A dynamic dimension then, especially for Heraclitus ), and has steadily gained currency ever since. Earth is the only planet known to support life , and its natural features are the subject of many fields of scientific research. Within the Solar System , it is third closest to the Sun; it is the largest terrestrial planet and the fifth largest overall. Its most prominent climatic features are its two large polar regions, two relatively narrow temperate zones, and

2144-485: A metabolism, a capacity to grow, respond to stimuli, and reproduce. An entity with these properties is generally considered life. However, not every definition of life considers all of these properties to be essential. Human-made analogs of life may also be considered to be life. The biosphere is the part of Earth's outer shell—including land, surface rocks, water, air and the atmosphere—within which life occurs, and which biotic processes in turn alter or transform. From

2278-485: A metabolism, a capacity to grow, respond to stimuli, and reproduce. An entity with these properties is generally considered life. However, not every definition of life considers all of these properties to be essential. Human-made analogs of life may also be considered to be life. The biosphere is the part of Earth's outer shell—including land, surface rocks, water, air and the atmosphere—within which life occurs, and which biotic processes in turn alter or transform. From

2412-446: A meteorite collision probably triggered the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and other large reptiles, but spared small animals such as mammals . Over the past 66 million years, mammalian life diversified. Several million years ago, a species of small African ape gained the ability to stand upright. The subsequent advent of human life, and the development of agriculture and further civilization allowed humans to affect

2546-446: A meteorite collision probably triggered the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and other large reptiles, but spared small animals such as mammals . Over the past 66 million years, mammalian life diversified. Several million years ago, a species of small African ape gained the ability to stand upright. The subsequent advent of human life, and the development of agriculture and further civilization allowed humans to affect

2680-435: A minority of Fungi . These life forms are found in almost every location on the Earth where there is liquid water, including in the Earth's interior. Their reproduction is both rapid and profuse. The combination of a high mutation rate and a horizontal gene transfer ability makes them highly adaptable, and able to survive in new and sometimes very harsh environments, including outer space . They form an essential part of

2814-435: A minority of Fungi . These life forms are found in almost every location on the Earth where there is liquid water, including in the Earth's interior. Their reproduction is both rapid and profuse. The combination of a high mutation rate and a horizontal gene transfer ability makes them highly adaptable, and able to survive in new and sometimes very harsh environments, including outer space . They form an essential part of

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2948-509: A neighborhood level to further promotion of conservation, preservation and access to nature in communities. At a more specific level, they work with specific sites to encourage use of rain gardens , rain barrels (also known as rainwater tanks ), and natural landscaping in open spaces in the community. The GIV put forward SWAT (Sustainable Watershed Action Team) as a response to Northeastern Illinois request for aid in basic infrastructure planning and sustainable developmental practices because of

3082-436: A pond from many other aquatic terrain features, such as stream pools and tide pools . A river is a natural watercourse , usually freshwater , flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water. Small rivers may also be called by several other names, including stream, creek, brook, rivulet, and rill; there

3216-436: A pond from many other aquatic terrain features, such as stream pools and tide pools . A river is a natural watercourse , usually freshwater , flowing towards an ocean, a lake, a sea or another river. In a few cases, a river simply flows into the ground or dries up completely before reaching another body of water. Small rivers may also be called by several other names, including stream, creek, brook, rivulet, and rill; there

3350-425: A regional level, CW members work with regional agencies. By looking at future plans and policies, they can focus on including conservation developmental and preservation principles that promote and sustain community health. In the community, land use ordinances and plans will be reworked to enhance people friendly design, while integrating such principles as sustainability , biodiversity and conservation . GIV works at

3484-399: A variety of biotic and abiotic components that function in an interrelated way. The structure and composition is determined by various environmental factors that are interrelated. Variations of these factors will initiate dynamic modifications to the ecosystem. Some of the more important components are soil , atmosphere , radiation from the sun , water, and living organisms. Central to

3618-399: A variety of biotic and abiotic components that function in an interrelated way. The structure and composition is determined by various environmental factors that are interrelated. Variations of these factors will initiate dynamic modifications to the ecosystem. Some of the more important components are soil , atmosphere , radiation from the sun , water, and living organisms. Central to

3752-452: A whole. In this general sense nature refers to the laws , elements and phenomena of the physical world, including life . Although humans are part of nature, human activity or humans as a whole are often described as at times at odds, or outright separate and even superior to nature. During the advent of modern scientific method in the last several centuries, nature became the passive reality , organized and moved by divine laws. With

3886-493: A wide equatorial tropical to subtropical region. Precipitation varies widely with location, from several metres of water per year to less than a millimetre. 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by salt-water oceans. The remainder consists of continents and islands, with most of the inhabited land in the Northern Hemisphere . Earth has evolved through geological and biological processes that have left traces of

4020-432: A wide equatorial tropical to subtropical region. Precipitation varies widely with location, from several metres of water per year to less than a millimetre. 71 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by salt-water oceans. The remainder consists of continents and islands, with most of the inhabited land in the Northern Hemisphere . Earth has evolved through geological and biological processes that have left traces of

4154-489: Is a chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) and is vital for all known forms of life. In typical usage, "water" refers only to its liquid form , but it also has a solid state, ice , and a gaseous state, water vapor , or steam . Water covers 71% of the Earth 's surface. On Earth, it is found mostly in oceans and other large bodies of water, with 1.6% of water below ground in aquifers and 0.001% in

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4288-442: Is a chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) and is vital for all known forms of life. In typical usage, "water" refers only to its liquid form , but it also has a solid state, ice , and a gaseous state, water vapor , or steam . Water covers 71% of the Earth 's surface. On Earth, it is found mostly in oceans and other large bodies of water, with 1.6% of water below ground in aquifers and 0.001% in

4422-454: Is a major academic discipline , and is also important for mineral and hydrocarbon extraction, knowledge about and mitigation of natural hazards , some Geotechnical engineering fields, and understanding past climates and environments. The geology of an area evolves through time as rock units are deposited and inserted and deformational processes change their shapes and locations. Rock units are first emplaced either by deposition onto

4556-454: Is a major academic discipline , and is also important for mineral and hydrocarbon extraction, knowledge about and mitigation of natural hazards , some Geotechnical engineering fields, and understanding past climates and environments. The geology of an area evolves through time as rock units are deposited and inserted and deformational processes change their shapes and locations. Rock units are first emplaced either by deposition onto

4690-564: Is called a microecosystem . For example, a microsystem can be a stone and all the life under it. A macroecosystem might involve a whole ecoregion , with its drainage basin . Wilderness is generally defined as areas that have not been significantly modified by human activity. Wilderness areas can be found in preserves, estates, farms, conservation preserves, ranches, national forests , national parks , and even in urban areas along rivers, gulches, or otherwise undeveloped areas. Wilderness areas and protected parks are considered important for

4824-564: Is called a microecosystem . For example, a microsystem can be a stone and all the life under it. A macroecosystem might involve a whole ecoregion , with its drainage basin . Wilderness is generally defined as areas that have not been significantly modified by human activity. Wilderness areas can be found in preserves, estates, farms, conservation preserves, ranches, national forests , national parks , and even in urban areas along rivers, gulches, or otherwise undeveloped areas. Wilderness areas and protected parks are considered important for

4958-406: Is defined as "the interconnected network of land and water that supports biodiversity and provides habitat for diverse communities of native flora and fauna at the regional scale." The Green Infrastructure Vision (GIV) was proposed in 2004. Its main purpose is to create a healthy region that plays a role in the quality of life of residents, to increase the economic liveliness of the region and to bring

5092-473: Is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago from the solar nebula , along with the Sun and other planets . The Moon formed roughly 20 million years later. Initially molten, the outer layer of the Earth cooled, resulting in the solid crust. Outgassing and volcanic activity produced the primordial atmosphere. Condensing water vapor , most or all of which came from ice delivered by comets , produced

5226-428: Is estimated to have formed 4.54 billion years ago from the solar nebula , along with the Sun and other planets . The Moon formed roughly 20 million years later. Initially molten, the outer layer of the Earth cooled, resulting in the solid crust. Outgassing and volcanic activity produced the primordial atmosphere. Condensing water vapor , most or all of which came from ice delivered by comets , produced

5360-399: Is illustrative of the general tendency of people and societies to seek to alter or shape the course of nature. Similarly, animals are often categorized in ways such as domestic , farm animals , wild animals , pests , etc. according to their relationship to human life. Nature Nature is an inherent character or constitution, particularly of the ecosphere or the universe as

5494-541: Is mostly used as the Latin translation of the Greek word physis (φύσις), which originally related to the intrinsic characteristics of plants, animals, and other features of the world to develop of their own accord. The concept of nature as a whole, the physical universe , is one of several expansions of the original notion; it began with certain core applications of the word φύσις by pre-Socratic philosophers (though this word had

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5628-445: Is mostly used as the Latin translation of the Greek word physis (φύσις), which originally related to the intrinsic characteristics of plants, animals, and other features of the world to develop of their own accord. The concept of nature as a whole, the physical universe , is one of several expansions of the original notion; it began with certain core applications of the word φύσις by pre-Socratic philosophers (though this word had

5762-529: Is no general rule that defines what can be called a river. Many names for small rivers are specific to geographic location; one example is Burn in Scotland and North-east England. Sometimes a river is said to be larger than a creek, but this is not always the case, due to vagueness in the language. A river is part of the hydrological cycle . Water within a river is generally collected from precipitation through surface runoff , groundwater recharge, springs , and

5896-478: Is no general rule that defines what can be called a river. Many names for small rivers are specific to geographic location; one example is Burn in Scotland and North-east England. Sometimes a river is said to be larger than a creek, but this is not always the case, due to vagueness in the language. A river is part of the hydrological cycle . Water within a river is generally collected from precipitation through surface runoff , groundwater recharge, springs , and

6030-504: Is no universal agreement on the definition of life, scientists generally accept that the biological manifestation of life is characterized by organization , metabolism , growth , adaptation , response to stimuli , and reproduction . Life may also be said to be simply the characteristic state of organisms . Present day organisms from viruses to humans possess a self-replicating informational molecule (genome), either DNA or RNA (as in some viruses), and such an informational molecule

6164-504: Is no universal agreement on the definition of life, scientists generally accept that the biological manifestation of life is characterized by organization , metabolism , growth , adaptation , response to stimuli , and reproduction . Life may also be said to be simply the characteristic state of organisms . Present day organisms from viruses to humans possess a self-replicating informational molecule (genome), either DNA or RNA (as in some viruses), and such an informational molecule

6298-415: Is not known if Titan's lakes are fed by rivers, though Titan's surface is carved by numerous river beds. Natural lakes on Earth are generally found in mountainous areas, rift zones , and areas with ongoing or recent glaciation . Other lakes are found in endorheic basins or along the courses of mature rivers. In some parts of the world, there are many lakes because of chaotic drainage patterns left over from

6432-415: Is not known if Titan's lakes are fed by rivers, though Titan's surface is carved by numerous river beds. Natural lakes on Earth are generally found in mountainous areas, rift zones , and areas with ongoing or recent glaciation . Other lakes are found in endorheic basins or along the courses of mature rivers. In some parts of the world, there are many lakes because of chaotic drainage patterns left over from

6566-503: Is probably intrinsic to life. It is likely that the earliest forms of life were based on a self-replicating informational molecule ( genome ), perhaps RNA or a molecule more primitive than RNA or DNA. The specific deoxyribonucleotide / ribonucleotide sequence in each currently extant individual organism contains sequence information that functions to promotes survival, reproduction , and the capacity to acquire resources necessary for reproduction, and such sequences probably emerged early in

6700-503: Is probably intrinsic to life. It is likely that the earliest forms of life were based on a self-replicating informational molecule ( genome ), perhaps RNA or a molecule more primitive than RNA or DNA. The specific deoxyribonucleotide / ribonucleotide sequence in each currently extant individual organism contains sequence information that functions to promotes survival, reproduction , and the capacity to acquire resources necessary for reproduction, and such sequences probably emerged early in

6834-510: The Earth . It is often taken to mean the " natural environment " or wilderness —wild animals, rocks, forest, and in general those things that have not been substantially altered by human intervention, or which persist despite human intervention. For example, manufactured objects and human interaction generally are not considered part of nature, unless qualified as, for example, "human nature" or "the whole of nature". This more traditional concept of natural things that can still be found today implies

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6968-760: The Indian Ocean , the Southern Ocean , and the Arctic Ocean . Smaller regions of the oceans are called seas, gulfs, bays and other names. There are also salt lakes , which are smaller bodies of landlocked saltwater that are not interconnected with the World Ocean. Two notable examples of salt lakes are the Aral Sea and the Great Salt Lake . A lake (from Latin word lacus ) is a terrain feature (or physical feature ),

7102-435: The Indian Ocean , the Southern Ocean , and the Arctic Ocean . Smaller regions of the oceans are called seas, gulfs, bays and other names. There are also salt lakes , which are smaller bodies of landlocked saltwater that are not interconnected with the World Ocean. Two notable examples of salt lakes are the Aral Sea and the Great Salt Lake . A lake (from Latin word lacus ) is a terrain feature (or physical feature ),

7236-506: The Industrial Revolution , nature increasingly became seen as the part of reality deprived from intentional intervention: it was hence considered as sacred by some traditions ( Rousseau , American transcendentalism ) or a mere decorum for divine providence or human history ( Hegel , Marx ). However, a vitalist vision of nature, closer to the pre-Socratic one, got reborn at the same time, especially after Charles Darwin . Within

7370-646: The Neoproterozoic era, freezing temperatures covered much of the Earth in glaciers and ice sheets. This hypothesis has been termed the " Snowball Earth ", and it is of particular interest as it precedes the Cambrian explosion in which multicellular life forms began to proliferate about 530–540 million years ago. Since the Cambrian explosion there have been five distinctly identifiable mass extinctions . The last mass extinction occurred some 66 million years ago, when

7504-489: The Neoproterozoic era, freezing temperatures covered much of the Earth in glaciers and ice sheets. This hypothesis has been termed the " Snowball Earth ", and it is of particular interest as it precedes the Cambrian explosion in which multicellular life forms began to proliferate about 530–540 million years ago. Since the Cambrian explosion there have been five distinctly identifiable mass extinctions . The last mass extinction occurred some 66 million years ago, when

7638-449: The Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience opposite seasons. Weather is a chaotic system that is readily modified by small changes to the environment , so accurate weather forecasting is limited to only a few days. Overall, two things are happening worldwide: (1) temperature is increasing on the average; and (2) regional climates have been undergoing noticeable changes. Water

7772-399: The Northern and Southern Hemispheres experience opposite seasons. Weather is a chaotic system that is readily modified by small changes to the environment , so accurate weather forecasting is limited to only a few days. Overall, two things are happening worldwide: (1) temperature is increasing on the average; and (2) regional climates have been undergoing noticeable changes. Water

7906-567: The World Ocean or global ocean. This concept of a global ocean as a continuous body of water with relatively free interchange among its parts is of fundamental importance to oceanography . The major oceanic divisions are defined in part by the continents , various archipelagos , and other criteria: these divisions are (in descending order of size) the Pacific Ocean , the Atlantic Ocean ,

8040-403: The World Ocean or global ocean. This concept of a global ocean as a continuous body of water with relatively free interchange among its parts is of fundamental importance to oceanography . The major oceanic divisions are defined in part by the continents , various archipelagos , and other criteria: these divisions are (in descending order of size) the Pacific Ocean , the Atlantic Ocean ,

8174-422: The air as vapor , clouds, and precipitation . Oceans hold 97% of surface water, glaciers , and polar ice caps 2.4%, and other land surface water such as rivers, lakes, and ponds 0.6%. Additionally, a minute amount of the Earth's water is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products. An ocean is a major body of saline water , and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of

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8308-422: The air as vapor , clouds, and precipitation . Oceans hold 97% of surface water, glaciers , and polar ice caps 2.4%, and other land surface water such as rivers, lakes, and ponds 0.6%. Additionally, a minute amount of the Earth's water is contained within biological bodies and manufactured products. An ocean is a major body of saline water , and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of

8442-423: The ecosphere or the universe as a whole. In this general sense nature refers to the laws , elements and phenomena of the physical world, including life . Although humans are part of nature, human activity or humans as a whole are often described as at times at odds, or outright separate and even superior to nature. During the advent of modern scientific method in the last several centuries, nature became

8576-505: The kingdoms Vegetabilia (later Plantae ) and Animalia . Since then, it has become clear that the Plantae as originally defined included several unrelated groups, and the fungi and several groups of algae were removed to new kingdoms. However, these are still often considered plants in many contexts. Bacterial life is sometimes included in flora, and some classifications use the term bacterial flora separately from plant flora . Among

8710-455: The kingdoms Vegetabilia (later Plantae ) and Animalia . Since then, it has become clear that the Plantae as originally defined included several unrelated groups, and the fungi and several groups of algae were removed to new kingdoms. However, these are still often considered plants in many contexts. Bacterial life is sometimes included in flora, and some classifications use the term bacterial flora separately from plant flora . Among

8844-738: The last ice age . All lakes are temporary over geologic time scales, as they will slowly fill in with sediments or spill out of the basin containing them. A pond is a body of standing water , either natural or human-made, that is usually smaller than a lake. A wide variety of human-made bodies of water are classified as ponds, including water gardens designed for aesthetic ornamentation, fish ponds designed for commercial fish breeding, and solar ponds designed to store thermal energy. Ponds and lakes are distinguished from streams via current speed. While currents in streams are easily observed, ponds and lakes possess thermally driven micro-currents and moderate wind driven currents. These features distinguish

8978-738: The last ice age . All lakes are temporary over geologic time scales, as they will slowly fill in with sediments or spill out of the basin containing them. A pond is a body of standing water , either natural or human-made, that is usually smaller than a lake. A wide variety of human-made bodies of water are classified as ponds, including water gardens designed for aesthetic ornamentation, fish ponds designed for commercial fish breeding, and solar ponds designed to store thermal energy. Ponds and lakes are distinguished from streams via current speed. While currents in streams are easily observed, ponds and lakes possess thermally driven micro-currents and moderate wind driven currents. These features distinguish

9112-567: The nature to the people by protecting, preserving, restoring and managing biodiversity. There are 1.8 million acres that are potential areas of expansion, protection, restoration and connection for the GIV in Southwest Wisconsin , Northeast Illinois , Northwest Indiana, and Southwest Michigan . Chicago wilderness works to put the green infrastructure vision into action by focusing on four main scales: Regional, Community, Neighborhood and Site. At

9246-457: The tropical climate at the equator to the polar climate in the northern and southern extremes. Weather is also influenced by the seasons, which result from the Earth 's axis being tilted relative to its orbital plane . Thus, at any given time during the summer or winter, one part of the Earth is more directly exposed to the rays of the sun . This exposure alternates as the Earth revolves in its orbit. At any given time, regardless of season,

9380-457: The tropical climate at the equator to the polar climate in the northern and southern extremes. Weather is also influenced by the seasons, which result from the Earth 's axis being tilted relative to its orbital plane . Thus, at any given time during the summer or winter, one part of the Earth is more directly exposed to the rays of the sun . This exposure alternates as the Earth revolves in its orbit. At any given time, regardless of season,

9514-446: The Chicago region. The foundation has received over 38 grants totaling over $ 15 million to support conservation projects. Chicago Wilderness has produced the region's first Biodiversity Recovery Program. ( Biodiversity Action Plan ) Periodically, Chicago Wilderness conducts climate change reports for the Chicago area which are successful in predictors for future changes. As part of the "Leave No Child Inside" initiative, The Teaching Academy

9648-400: The Earth is held in place by gravity. Air is mostly nitrogen , oxygen , water vapor , with much smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, argon, etc. The atmospheric pressure declines steadily with altitude. The ozone layer plays an important role in depleting the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the surface. As DNA is readily damaged by UV light, this serves to protect life at

9782-400: The Earth is held in place by gravity. Air is mostly nitrogen , oxygen , water vapor , with much smaller amounts of carbon dioxide, argon, etc. The atmospheric pressure declines steadily with altitude. The ozone layer plays an important role in depleting the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the surface. As DNA is readily damaged by UV light, this serves to protect life at

9916-573: The Earth more rapidly than any previous life form, affecting both the nature and quantity of other organisms as well as global climate. By comparison, the Great Oxygenation Event , produced by the proliferation of algae during the Siderian period, required about 300 million years to culminate. The present era is classified as part of a mass extinction event , the Holocene extinction event,

10050-408: The Earth more rapidly than any previous life form, affecting both the nature and quantity of other organisms as well as global climate. By comparison, the Great Oxygenation Event , produced by the proliferation of algae during the Siderian period, required about 300 million years to culminate. The present era is classified as part of a mass extinction event , the Holocene extinction event,

10184-552: The Earth's surface (an area of some 361 million square kilometers) is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas. More than half of this area is over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) deep. Average oceanic salinity is around 35 parts per thousand (ppt) (3.5%), and nearly all seawater has a salinity in the range of 30 to 38 ppt. Though generally recognized as several 'separate' oceans, these waters comprise one global, interconnected body of salt water often referred to as

10318-552: The Earth's surface (an area of some 361 million square kilometers) is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas. More than half of this area is over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) deep. Average oceanic salinity is around 35 parts per thousand (ppt) (3.5%), and nearly all seawater has a salinity in the range of 30 to 38 ppt. Though generally recognized as several 'separate' oceans, these waters comprise one global, interconnected body of salt water often referred to as

10452-536: The Health of Local Nature. Included in these core projects, the Chicago Wilderness alliance encompasses a variety of other programs to benefit the members of the community as well as the land they are preserving. The climate change initiative of Chicago Wilderness focuses primarily on addressing the effects of climate change on the Chicago wilderness region and ways to respond to these changes. Studies have shown

10586-477: The biosphere. Over nine-tenths of the total biomass on Earth is plant life, on which animal life depends very heavily for its existence. More than 2 million species of plant and animal life have been identified to date, and estimates of the actual number of existing species range from several million to well over 50 million. The number of individual species of life is constantly in some degree of flux, with new species appearing and others ceasing to exist on

10720-477: The biosphere. Over nine-tenths of the total biomass on Earth is plant life, on which animal life depends very heavily for its existence. More than 2 million species of plant and animal life have been identified to date, and estimates of the actual number of existing species range from several million to well over 50 million. The number of individual species of life is constantly in some degree of flux, with new species appearing and others ceasing to exist on

10854-446: The broadest geophysiological point of view, the biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere (rocks), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air). The entire Earth contains over 75 billion tons (150 trillion pounds or about 6.8×10  kilograms) of biomass (life), which lives within various environments within

10988-446: The broadest geophysiological point of view, the biosphere is the global ecological system integrating all living beings and their relationships, including their interaction with the elements of the lithosphere (rocks), hydrosphere (water), and atmosphere (air). The entire Earth contains over 75 billion tons (150 trillion pounds or about 6.8×10  kilograms) of biomass (life), which lives within various environments within

11122-581: The city of Chicago ( Chicago Climate Action Plan ), the city of Evanston , and the University of Illinois . The Climate Action Plan has five strategies it is currently working on: Energy efficient buildings, clean and renewable energy sources, improved transportation options, reduce waste and industrial pollution, and finally adaption. Green-covered roofs on some of Chicago's buildings are key features of projects implemented as part of their climate action plan. As according to Chicago wilderness, Green Infrastructure

11256-468: The ecosystem concept is the idea that living organisms interact with every other element in their local environment . Eugene Odum, a founder of ecology, stated: "Any unit that includes all of the organisms (ie: the "community") in a given area interacting with the physical environment so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined trophic structure, biotic diversity, and material cycles (i.e.: exchange of materials between living and nonliving parts) within

11390-468: The ecosystem concept is the idea that living organisms interact with every other element in their local environment . Eugene Odum, a founder of ecology, stated: "Any unit that includes all of the organisms (ie: the "community") in a given area interacting with the physical environment so that a flow of energy leads to clearly defined trophic structure, biotic diversity, and material cycles (i.e.: exchange of materials between living and nonliving parts) within

11524-553: The equatorial oceans to the polar regions. These currents help to moderate the differences in temperature between winter and summer in the temperate zones. Also, without the redistributions of heat energy by the ocean currents and atmosphere, the tropics would be much hotter, and the polar regions much colder. Weather can have both beneficial and harmful effects. Extremes in weather, such as tornadoes or hurricanes and cyclones , can expend large amounts of energy along their paths, and produce devastation. Surface vegetation has evolved

11658-553: The equatorial oceans to the polar regions. These currents help to moderate the differences in temperature between winter and summer in the temperate zones. Also, without the redistributions of heat energy by the ocean currents and atmosphere, the tropics would be much hotter, and the polar regions much colder. Weather can have both beneficial and harmful effects. Extremes in weather, such as tornadoes or hurricanes and cyclones , can expend large amounts of energy along their paths, and produce devastation. Surface vegetation has evolved

11792-622: The evolution of life. Survival functions present early in the evolution of life likely also included genomic sequences that promote the avoidance of damage to the self-replicating molecule and also the capability to repair such damages that do occur. Repair of some genome damages may have involved using information from another similar molecule by a process of recombination (a primitive form of sexual interaction ). Properties common to terrestrial organisms (plants, animals, fungi , protists , archaea , and bacteria) are that they are cellular, carbon-and-water-based with complex organization, having

11926-622: The evolution of life. Survival functions present early in the evolution of life likely also included genomic sequences that promote the avoidance of damage to the self-replicating molecule and also the capability to repair such damages that do occur. Repair of some genome damages may have involved using information from another similar molecule by a process of recombination (a primitive form of sexual interaction ). Properties common to terrestrial organisms (plants, animals, fungi , protists , archaea , and bacteria) are that they are cellular, carbon-and-water-based with complex organization, having

12060-444: The fastest ever to have occurred. Some, such as E. O. Wilson of Harvard University , predict that human destruction of the biosphere could cause the extinction of one-half of all species in the next 100 years. The extent of the current extinction event is still being researched, debated and calculated by biologists. The Earth's atmosphere is a key factor in sustaining the ecosystem . The thin layer of gases that envelops

12194-444: The fastest ever to have occurred. Some, such as E. O. Wilson of Harvard University , predict that human destruction of the biosphere could cause the extinction of one-half of all species in the next 100 years. The extent of the current extinction event is still being researched, debated and calculated by biologists. The Earth's atmosphere is a key factor in sustaining the ecosystem . The thin layer of gases that envelops

12328-532: The first primitive life forms. When basic forms of plant life developed the process of photosynthesis the sun's energy could be harvested to create conditions which allowed for more complex life forms. The resultant oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere and gave rise to the ozone layer . The incorporation of smaller cells within larger ones resulted in the development of yet more complex cells called eukaryotes . Cells within colonies became increasingly specialized, resulting in true multicellular organisms. With

12462-532: The first primitive life forms. When basic forms of plant life developed the process of photosynthesis the sun's energy could be harvested to create conditions which allowed for more complex life forms. The resultant oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere and gave rise to the ozone layer . The incorporation of smaller cells within larger ones resulted in the development of yet more complex cells called eukaryotes . Cells within colonies became increasingly specialized, resulting in true multicellular organisms. With

12596-414: The geomagnetic field. The atmospheric conditions have been significantly altered from the original conditions by the presence of life-forms, which create an ecological balance that stabilizes the surface conditions. Despite the wide regional variations in climate by latitude and other geographic factors, the long-term average global climate is quite stable during interglacial periods, and variations of

12730-414: The geomagnetic field. The atmospheric conditions have been significantly altered from the original conditions by the presence of life-forms, which create an ecological balance that stabilizes the surface conditions. Despite the wide regional variations in climate by latitude and other geographic factors, the long-term average global climate is quite stable during interglacial periods, and variations of

12864-503: The immediate vicinity of a stream is called a riparian zone . Given the status of the ongoing Holocene extinction , streams play an important corridor role in connecting fragmented habitats and thus in conserving biodiversity . The study of streams and waterways in general involves many branches of inter-disciplinary natural science and engineering, including hydrology , fluvial geomorphology , aquatic ecology , fish biology , riparian ecology , and others. Ecosystems are composed of

12998-503: The immediate vicinity of a stream is called a riparian zone . Given the status of the ongoing Holocene extinction , streams play an important corridor role in connecting fragmented habitats and thus in conserving biodiversity . The study of streams and waterways in general involves many branches of inter-disciplinary natural science and engineering, including hydrology , fluvial geomorphology , aquatic ecology , fish biology , riparian ecology , and others. Ecosystems are composed of

13132-646: The impact of climate change has on the world, but little is known about how it affects specific regions. Recently, both Chicago Wilderness and the Nature Conservancy published reports to address the issues the area faces as the climate changes, both from the perspective of the city and the region's wildlife. In addition to the reports, the Chicago Wilderness Alliance also developed the Climate Action Plan for Nature, which has established plans for

13266-406: The initial sequence of rocks has been deposited, the rock units can be deformed and/or metamorphosed . Deformation typically occurs as a result of horizontal shortening, horizontal extension , or side-to-side ( strike-slip ) motion. These structural regimes broadly relate to convergent boundaries , divergent boundaries , and transform boundaries , respectively, between tectonic plates . Earth

13400-406: The initial sequence of rocks has been deposited, the rock units can be deformed and/or metamorphosed . Deformation typically occurs as a result of horizontal shortening, horizontal extension , or side-to-side ( strike-slip ) motion. These structural regimes broadly relate to convergent boundaries , divergent boundaries , and transform boundaries , respectively, between tectonic plates . Earth

13534-584: The leadership of Chicago Wilderness announced that the Chicago Wilderness Trust would be ceasing operations effective March 31. This message stated that its Chair and Vice Chair, and their alliance partner organizations, were "committed to working with the Executive Council and other alliance members to determine the best strategy for moving forward". In a June 5, 2017 email from the Chair and Vice-Chair,

13668-649: The many ways of classifying plants are by regional floras , which, depending on the purpose of study, can also include fossil flora , remnants of plant life from a previous era. People in many regions and countries take great pride in their individual arrays of characteristic flora, which can vary widely across the globe due to differences in climate and terrain . Regional floras commonly are divided into categories such as native flora or agricultural and garden flora . Some types of "native flora" actually have been introduced centuries ago by people migrating from one region or continent to another, and become an integral part of

13802-649: The many ways of classifying plants are by regional floras , which, depending on the purpose of study, can also include fossil flora , remnants of plant life from a previous era. People in many regions and countries take great pride in their individual arrays of characteristic flora, which can vary widely across the globe due to differences in climate and terrain . Regional floras commonly are divided into categories such as native flora or agricultural and garden flora . Some types of "native flora" actually have been introduced centuries ago by people migrating from one region or continent to another, and become an integral part of

13936-933: The movement, No Child Left Inside (movement) . This movement has prompted other states to start their own programs similar to the one of Chicago Wilderness; Leave No Child Inside, Greater Cincinnati and No Child Left Inside, Connecticut are just a few. The Restoring the Health of Local Nature initiatives main purpose is to help return the environment in the Chicago region to its once healthy condition. The Chicago Wilderness has implemented projects that allow people to enjoy clean air, water and help restore and preserve their environment. As part of this initiation, Chicago wilderness takes part in an annual service day called National Public Lands Day , in which volunteers work together to restore natural regions for future generations. Chicago Wilderness sponsors 15 different sites where volunteers can help on this day. Since 1996, Chicago Wilderness has undertaken more than 500 environmental projects in

14070-461: The native, or natural flora of the place to which they were introduced. This is an example of how human interaction with nature can blur the boundary of what is considered nature. Another category of plant has historically been carved out for weeds . Though the term has fallen into disfavor among botanists as a formal way to categorize "useless" plants, the informal use of the word "weeds" to describe those plants that are deemed worthy of elimination

14204-461: The native, or natural flora of the place to which they were introduced. This is an example of how human interaction with nature can blur the boundary of what is considered nature. Another category of plant has historically been carved out for weeds . Though the term has fallen into disfavor among botanists as a formal way to categorize "useless" plants, the informal use of the word "weeds" to describe those plants that are deemed worthy of elimination

14338-619: The oceans and other water sources. The highly energetic chemistry is believed to have produced a self-replicating molecule around 4 billion years ago. Continents formed, then broke up and reformed as the surface of Earth reshaped over hundreds of millions of years, occasionally combining to make a supercontinent . Roughly 750 million years ago, the earliest known supercontinent Rodinia , began to break apart. The continents later recombined to form Pannotia which broke apart about 540 million years ago, then finally Pangaea , which broke apart about 180 million years ago. During

14472-619: The oceans and other water sources. The highly energetic chemistry is believed to have produced a self-replicating molecule around 4 billion years ago. Continents formed, then broke up and reformed as the surface of Earth reshaped over hundreds of millions of years, occasionally combining to make a supercontinent . Roughly 750 million years ago, the earliest known supercontinent Rodinia , began to break apart. The continents later recombined to form Pannotia which broke apart about 540 million years ago, then finally Pangaea , which broke apart about 180 million years ago. During

14606-420: The original conditions. The outer surface is divided into several gradually migrating tectonic plates . The interior remains active, with a thick layer of plastic mantle and an iron-filled core that generates a magnetic field . This iron core is composed of a solid inner phase, and a fluid outer phase. Convective motion in the core generates electric currents through dynamo action, and these, in turn, generate

14740-420: The original conditions. The outer surface is divided into several gradually migrating tectonic plates . The interior remains active, with a thick layer of plastic mantle and an iron-filled core that generates a magnetic field . This iron core is composed of a solid inner phase, and a fluid outer phase. Convective motion in the core generates electric currents through dynamo action, and these, in turn, generate

14874-464: The ozone layer absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation , life colonized the surface of Earth. The first form of life to develop on the Earth were unicellular , and they remained the only form of life until about a billion years ago when multi-cellular organisms began to appear. Microorganisms or microbes are microscopic , and smaller than the human eye can see. Microorganisms can be single-celled , such as Bacteria , Archaea , many Protista , and

15008-464: The ozone layer absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation , life colonized the surface of Earth. The first form of life to develop on the Earth were unicellular , and they remained the only form of life until about a billion years ago when multi-cellular organisms began to appear. Microorganisms or microbes are microscopic , and smaller than the human eye can see. Microorganisms can be single-celled , such as Bacteria , Archaea , many Protista , and

15142-413: The passive reality , organized and moved by divine laws. With the Industrial Revolution , nature increasingly became seen as the part of reality deprived from intentional intervention: it was hence considered as sacred by some traditions ( Rousseau , American transcendentalism ) or a mere decorum for divine providence or human history ( Hegel , Marx ). However, a vitalist vision of nature, closer to

15276-441: The planetary ecosystem. However, some microorganisms are pathogenic and can post health risk to other organisms. Viruses are infectious agents , but they are not autonomous life forms , as it is the case for viroids , satellites , DPIs and prions . Originally Aristotle divided all living things between plants, which generally do not move fast enough for humans to notice, and animals. In Linnaeus ' system, these became

15410-441: The planetary ecosystem. However, some microorganisms are pathogenic and can post health risk to other organisms. Viruses are infectious agents , but they are not autonomous life forms , as it is the case for viroids , satellites , DPIs and prions . Originally Aristotle divided all living things between plants, which generally do not move fast enough for humans to notice, and animals. In Linnaeus ' system, these became

15544-422: The pre-Socratic one, got reborn at the same time, especially after Charles Darwin . Within the various uses of the word today, "nature" often refers to geology and wildlife . Nature can refer to the general realm of living beings , and in some cases to the processes associated with inanimate objects—the way that particular types of things exist and change of their own accord, such as the weather and geology of

15678-535: The preservation of nature that is "creative, visionary and highly effective". In 2000, Chicago Wilderness and the United States Environmental Protection Agency developed The Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards to recognize the use of native plants in landscaping. They continue to recognize the hard work of corporations, parks and municipalities. Natural Nature is an inherent character or constitution, particularly of

15812-411: The process of evolution by natural selection resulted in the development of ever-more diverse life forms. Species that were unable to adapt to the changing environment and competition from other life forms became extinct. However, the fossil record retains evidence of many of these older species. Current fossil and DNA evidence shows that all existing species can trace a continual ancestry back to

15946-411: The process of evolution by natural selection resulted in the development of ever-more diverse life forms. Species that were unable to adapt to the changing environment and competition from other life forms became extinct. However, the fossil record retains evidence of many of these older species. Current fossil and DNA evidence shows that all existing species can trace a continual ancestry back to

16080-521: The release of stored water in natural ice and snowpacks (i.e., from glaciers ). A stream is a flowing body of water with a current , confined within a bed and stream banks . In the United States, a stream is classified as a watercourse less than 60 feet (18 metres) wide. Streams are important as conduits in the water cycle , instruments in groundwater recharge , and they serve as corridors for fish and wildlife migration. The biological habitat in

16214-465: The release of stored water in natural ice and snowpacks (i.e., from glaciers ). A stream is a flowing body of water with a current , confined within a bed and stream banks . In the United States, a stream is classified as a watercourse less than 60 feet (18 metres) wide. Streams are important as conduits in the water cycle , instruments in groundwater recharge , and they serve as corridors for fish and wildlife migration. The biological habitat in

16348-418: The solar luminosity, and changes to the Earth's orbit. Based on historical and geological records, the Earth is known to have undergone drastic climate changes in the past, including ice ages . The climate of a region depends on a number of factors, especially latitude . A latitudinal band of the surface with similar climatic attributes forms a climate region. There are a number of such regions, ranging from

16482-418: The solar luminosity, and changes to the Earth's orbit. Based on historical and geological records, the Earth is known to have undergone drastic climate changes in the past, including ice ages . The climate of a region depends on a number of factors, especially latitude . A latitudinal band of the surface with similar climatic attributes forms a climate region. There are a number of such regions, ranging from

16616-419: The surface or intrude into the overlying rock . Deposition can occur when sediments settle onto the surface of the Earth and later lithify into sedimentary rock , or when as volcanic material such as volcanic ash or lava flows, blanket the surface. Igneous intrusions such as batholiths , laccoliths , dikes , and sills , push upwards into the overlying rock, and crystallize as they intrude. After

16750-419: The surface or intrude into the overlying rock . Deposition can occur when sediments settle onto the surface of the Earth and later lithify into sedimentary rock , or when as volcanic material such as volcanic ash or lava flows, blanket the surface. Igneous intrusions such as batholiths , laccoliths , dikes , and sills , push upwards into the overlying rock, and crystallize as they intrude. After

16884-425: The surface. The atmosphere also retains heat during the night, thereby reducing the daily temperature extremes. Terrestrial weather occurs almost exclusively in the lower part of the atmosphere , and serves as a convective system for redistributing heat. Ocean currents are another important factor in determining climate, particularly the major underwater thermohaline circulation which distributes heat energy from

17018-425: The surface. The atmosphere also retains heat during the night, thereby reducing the daily temperature extremes. Terrestrial weather occurs almost exclusively in the lower part of the atmosphere , and serves as a convective system for redistributing heat. Ocean currents are another important factor in determining climate, particularly the major underwater thermohaline circulation which distributes heat energy from

17152-535: The survival of certain species , ecological studies, conservation , and solitude. Some nature writers believe wilderness areas are vital for the human spirit and creativity, and some ecologists consider wilderness areas to be an integral part of the Earth's self-sustaining natural ecosystem (the biosphere ). They may also preserve historic genetic traits and that they provide habitat for wild flora and fauna that may be difficult or impossible to recreate in zoos , arboretums , or laboratories . Although there

17286-535: The survival of certain species , ecological studies, conservation , and solitude. Some nature writers believe wilderness areas are vital for the human spirit and creativity, and some ecologists consider wilderness areas to be an integral part of the Earth's self-sustaining natural ecosystem (the biosphere ). They may also preserve historic genetic traits and that they provide habitat for wild flora and fauna that may be difficult or impossible to recreate in zoos , arboretums , or laboratories . Although there

17420-441: The system is an ecosystem." Within the ecosystem, species are connected and dependent upon one another in the food chain , and exchange energy and matter between themselves as well as with their environment. The human ecosystem concept is based on the human/nature dichotomy and the idea that all species are ecologically dependent on each other, as well as with the abiotic constituents of their biotope . A smaller unit of size

17554-441: The system is an ecosystem." Within the ecosystem, species are connected and dependent upon one another in the food chain , and exchange energy and matter between themselves as well as with their environment. The human ecosystem concept is based on the human/nature dichotomy and the idea that all species are ecologically dependent on each other, as well as with the abiotic constituents of their biotope . A smaller unit of size

17688-837: The various uses of the word today, "nature" often refers to geology and wildlife . Nature can refer to the general realm of living beings , and in some cases to the processes associated with inanimate objects—the way that particular types of things exist and change of their own accord, such as the weather and geology of the Earth . It is often taken to mean the " natural environment " or wilderness —wild animals, rocks, forest, and in general those things that have not been substantially altered by human intervention, or which persist despite human intervention. For example, manufactured objects and human interaction generally are not considered part of nature, unless qualified as, for example, "human nature" or "the whole of nature". This more traditional concept of natural things that can still be found today implies

17822-405: The wide-range developmental altercations arising. SWAT focuses at the scale of neighborhoods and communities. The Leave No Child Inside Initiative focuses on connecting children of all ages with the nature in their region. Projects sponsored by this initiative give children and teens the opportunities to explore nature, camping, and service learning projects. This initiative was created in sync with

17956-597: Was produced. The academy is a program which high school teachers and experts from the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Lake County Forest Preserve collaborate to emphasize the importance of biodiversity in their teaching. The Urban Forestry Task Force was created to stress the importance of the woodland biodiversity conservation in a metropolitan and suburban environment. Chicago Wilderness has been honored by The Institute for Conservation Leadership for

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