Chicago is addressing one of the most polluted
sections of the Chicago River, and rather than just cleaning it up, they’re
taking things a step further.
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The plan for the Wild Mile eco-park is to turn the polluted river section into a wildlife
sanctuary . (Image from https://www.wildmilechicago.org/about-us)
The plan for the Wild Mile eco-park is to turn
the polluted river section into a wildlife sanctuary that brings animals, fish,
and birds back into the city. The designers, including Urban Rivers and
architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) will have their hands
full turning this currently uninhabitable area into a place where wildlife can
thrive. Their plan includes floating swimming pools, pollinator gardens,
aeration waterfalls, hammocks, mounded parks, nature pathways, and even some
opportunities for art installations. However, the primary goal of the park is
to put the focus on wildlife.
Habitats will be created for bees and
butterflies and then growing the habitat to include more insects, fish, mussels
turtles, bats, and birds. These habitats will be created using floating
wetlands and submerged wetlands that will attractively poke up out of the water
for passersby to view nature in action. The team also hopes to reintroduce a
natural edge to the canal, which will help create a cleaner river.
This ambitious Wild Mile eco-park will allow
Chicagoans to interact with nature in an urban setting like never before while
also cleaning up the waterway. A new REI store is part of the plan, as well as
several areas for families to gather and walk along the river. The Wild Mile
was inspired by other such innovative parks from other parts of the world, but
will be the first of its kind in the United States. A final framework for the
park should be introduced in the coming weeks, but organizers are optimistic
about receiving the necessary funding to give the project the green light.
Naturally, this project will introduce several
green jobs to the area, representing a win-win for the local economy. For the
latest in green jobs news and all things eco-friendly, keep tuning back in here
to the blog.
Green Jobs
How to Apply for a Green Job With the demand for green jobs skyrocketing so far in 2017, giving yourself a unique edge can be difficult—yet absolutely necessary—in order for you to become a proud worker for Mother Earth. Follow these steps to successfully claim your next environmentally friendly employment opportunity. 1. Resume: Make sure … Continue reading..
