Development of Environmental Conservation in the 20th Century
Early 20th Century Environmental Awareness
- Shift in Perspective:
- Americans began recognizing the impact of civilization on nature.
- The earlier belief in limitless resources was challenged.
- Significant losses included the near extinction of buffalo and passenger pigeons.
- U.S. Forest Service & National Park Service:
- Established to protect natural resources and promote sustainable practices.
- National Wildlife Refuges:
- First wildlife refuges set aside to protect native species.
Proposal for National Parks
- Indiana Dunes Proposal:
- Advocated for dedicating natural areas as national parks.
Municipal Science Club Initiative
- Founding Figures:
- Advocated by architects Jens Jensen and Dwight H. Perkins.
- Goal:
- To preserve remaining natural areas in Cook County for public benefit.
Establishment of Forest Preserve Districts
- Timeline:
- 15 years of advocacy led to creation in 1915.
- Initial Land Purchases:
- 79-acre tract in DuPage County and 500 acres at Deer Grove, Cook County.
Purpose of Forest Preserves
- Objectives:
- Preserve native flora and fauna.
- Provide education, pleasure, and recreation for the public.
- Benefits:
- City dwellers gain access to nature close to home.
- Protection of diverse natural communities that had been diminished.
Later Developments
- Post-WWII Growth:
- Expansion of forest preserves in Lake, Kane, and Will Counties, IL and Lake County, IN.
- 1971:
- Establishment of McHenry County Conservation District.
- 1966:
- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore established after 50 years of proposals.
- Recent Additions:
- Conversion of Joliet Arsenal into Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie adds 15,000 acres.
Legacy of Protected Lands
- Significance:
- 200,000 acres of preserved land in a major metropolitan area.
- Unique for urban areas and provides habitats for diverse wildlife.
- Biodiversity:
- Local preserves host species such as coyotes and white-tailed deer, supporting ecosystems.