Wild Mile in May 🐢
Spring in full swing on the Chicago River!
Temps and Turtles
As the weather warms, reptiles are starting to reemerge
Aquatic turtles handle cold Chicago winters by burying themselves into muddy river bottoms, where they go dormant and wait out the worst weather. Now that temperatures are rising, they are beginning to reemerge!
Turtles are cold-blooded animals, meaning that they do not produce their own body heat and they must rely on the environment to regulate their temperature. This is why on a sunny day you may see several turtles sunbathing on a log — also know as basking. They are warming up to their preferred body temperature before sliding back into the water, ready to forge for their next tasty meal.
You can spot several species of turtles on a good day throughout the Wild Mile. But be sure to not get too close or they may jump back in the river!
Urban Rivers announced as Field Museum Parker/Gentry award winner!
First Chicago-based recipient
The Parker/Gentry Award was established in 1996 to recognize individuals, teams, or organizations in conservation whose efforts have made a significant impact on preserving the world's natural heritage and whose approach can serve as a model to others.
This year we were are honored to be their first Chicago-based award winner!
The award recognizes our efforts to restore aquatic and terrestrial species through innovative conservation efforts and kindly describes “Urban Rivers’ leadership and model for ecological restoration, scientific research, education, and community engagement, serves as an inspiration for urban rivers around the world.”
Thanks to the Parker/Gentry Award selection committee and the Keller Science Action Center for the honor!
May Events Calendar
Here’s what’s happening in May! Event descriptions and RSVP links for our events can always be found on the events page of our website.
Urban Rivers Events:
Wild Mile Walking Tours: May 9th and 16th, 5:30-6:00pm
Volunteer Informational Sessions: May 11th and 18th, 1:00 - 2:00pm
Cat Jam: May 15th, 7:00-10:00pm
River Ranger Social: May 16th, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Wild Mile S’mores Night: May 30th, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Partner Events:
Wild Mile Paint N’ Sip: May 4th, 11:00am - 2:00pm [NOTE: This event has sold out! However, Art City is independently hosting ongoing Wild Mile sessions on Sundays - get tickets here!]
Coming Soon: New Installs!
River Park and Wild Mile Phase II
This spring/summer, our staff are preparing for two major garden installations! We will be adding floating gardens at River Park on the North Branch of the Chicago River, as well as doubling the length of the Wild Mile.
These installs are a major undertaking, including constructing gardens from the composite modules, launching and anchoring them, adding planting substrate, and planting native seedlings! While exact install dates are still TBD, we cannot wait to invite River Rangers and community partners to lend a helping hand. So keep your eyes out for upcoming install news!
Office Insights
Staff as extremely accurate birds
One of our favorite items in the office this year is our 2024 Extremely Accurate Birds calendar by artist Tommy Siegel. The drawings are so accurate that they accurately encapsulate our staff as well. So here is each staff member by their birth month bird.
Maya: Red-Winged Blackbird
Confident, agile, and unafraid to dive-bomb unwanted people near their home
Phil & Sage: American Herring Gull
Imposingly handsome and powerful
Nick: Scarlet Tanager
One of the most blindingly gorgeous birds and executive directors in the northern hemisphere