Chicago Wilderness

Chicago Wilderness is a regional alliance of more than 250 different organizations that work together to improve the quality of life of the individuals and the many other species living in the Chicago (Illinois) area. Through the restoration and sustenation of the biological diversity that once encompassed the lands, their fundamental objective, to preserve the naturally occurring lands and waters in that region, is being made a reality. Through these activities, Chicago Wilderness played a major role in protecting and replenishing the naturally occurring ecosystems in the Chicago area as well as motivating people to become more aware and involved in the preservation of these lands and waters. Chicago Wilderness had continued to blossom through the funding and donations of many sources including private contributions, the member organizations, and state and federal grants. On March 29, 2017, Chicago Wilderness announced that it was closing its operations, due to insufficient funding.

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 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, Chicago Wilderness announced that it was closing its office and laying off all of its paid staff, effective March 31, due to insufficient funding. Chicago Wilderness stated that its Chair and Vice Chair, and their alliance partner organizations, would seek "the best strategy for moving forward".

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