Biodiversity and Community in the Calumet: Creating Access and Restoring Open Spaces Along the Little Calumet River

Openlands

Openlands, in partnership with the Field Museum and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is restoring open spaces and strengthening community connections at Beaubien Woods, the Ton Farm historic site, and other areas along the Little Calumet River. This work will create access to nature and culture in a way that fosters healthy community in the historically Black, underserved areas of Altgeld Gardens, Golden Gate, Pangea Lakes, Concordia Place, and Riverside Village.

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Openlands hosted an event with partners along the African American Heritage Water Trail, based at the Beaubien Woods boat ramp near the location they are conducting prairie restoration and thinning invasive woody species.

Photo credit: Rudy Schultz

The event was held next to the future location of the community gathering space they are developing called “Prairie Boat.” It reflects the theme of the African American Heritage Water Trail, the importance of the river to freedom seekers and the “sea of grass” that made up the prairies of the region.

Photo credit: Rudy Schultz

The water trail, the gathering space, the prairie restoration, and the removal of invasive woody vegetation all help forge meaningful connections between communities and nature.

Photo credit: Rudy Schultz

Photo credit: Rudy Schultz