Marching Into Spring 🌱
Terrifyingly warm weather, the 2023 annual report, and more!
The 2023 Annual Report
Long awaited!
Our 2023 annual report is here! Read all about our accomplishments this season - from the thousands of program participants hosted on the Wild Mile, to a record-breaking season of mussel hunting.
Host an Event or Program!
Yes, YOU!
The Wild Mile is intended to be used freely as a space for education, recreation, and community gatherings! As we plan for the park’s expansion this spring, we want our community-oriented programming and events to also be community-led! All our programs must be free and open to the public, and we prioritize events with a focus on recreation or education. If you have an idea for an event or program, email sage@urbanriv.org!
72 degrees in February?
Even the plants are confused!
If you stepped outside last Tuesday and felt like you’d been transported to a tropical island, you aren’t alone! An extraordinarily warm day left many Chicagoans happy, short-sleeved, and excited for summer. Unfortunately, this clear sign of climate change could have severe impacts on local wildlife.
Since many hibernating species use temperature to determine when to emerge in the spring, unseasonably warm weather could result in animals such as reptiles and insect emerging earlier than usual. This could impact their breeding behavior down the line, as well as the feeding patterns of their predators.
On the Wild Mile, plants are already emerging! Our marsh marigolds and irises - both early-flowering species - already have greenery peeking through last year’s dead foliage.
The study of seasonal ecological timing is called “phenology”. Though it’s a lesser-known field, it’s becoming highly relevant as our warming climate continues to impact biological cycles in many of earth’s geographies. As we enter the final weeks of winter here in Chicago, keep your eye out for signs of the expanded growing season!
March Events Calendar
Popular programs make a return
By popular request, our monthly newsletters will now include an event calendar! Event descriptions and RSVP links for our events can always be found on the events page of our website.
Urban Rivers Events:
March 14th, 5:30 - 6pm: Wild Mile Walking Tour
March 21st, 6 - 7:30pm: Wild Mile S’mores Night
Partner Events:
March 8th, 10 - 12pm: Spring Forward - @ Goose Island Overlook Gardens (1111 N Elston Ave)
March 30th, 10 - 12pm: Near North Community Easter Event - @ Seward Park (375 W Elm St)
Office Insights
The curse of the river painting
Last month, our well-intentioned River Rangers made the mistake of removing this wretched piece of work from the river. We all think it should have stayed put, since it’s undoubtedly cursed. Ever since it entered the building, the office has been uncomfortably hot, the hallway smells like sewage, and our staff keeps seeing foreboding entities in our peripheral vision that disappear when we look at them directly.
Anyways, feast your eyes:
