On one February afternoon in 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt received the first National Wildlife Restoration week stamp sheet from Ding Darling, the founder of the National Wildlife Federation. Since then, the week has been commemorated annually throughout the country. Between April 6 and April 12 this year, we wish you a happy National Wildlife Week!
From invoking our sense of wonder to literally regulating ecological processes, their lifestyles, diets, and habits curate the ecosystems we love; the least we can do is show some appreciation.
The inherent value of wildlife goes beyond the benefits we derive from them. Animals existed before mankind spread throughout the Earth. We are all animals, making our peaceful coexistence essential in our shared world.
Without diverse wildlife, ecological processes have been and could continue to be destroyed. When wildlife communities stay intact, they are more resilient to change and support greater ecological health. A universal goal in creating a healthy ecosystem is maintaining appropriate habitats for the various natural wildlife to our region. The Lincoln Park Conservancy aims to nurture appropriate habitats and support wildlife throughout Lincoln Park.
Since the founding of Chicago, people have prioritized human needs. In truth, healthy habitats for wildlife make human communities healthier, too. It’s vital to recognize the contributions of our wildlife to protect them from harm. By acknowledging how essential animals truly are, we can prevent human-caused problems that affect them.
There’s plenty of local wildlife to celebrate! Below are some familiar fuzzy faces and how they’re essential to our ecosystem.
You’ve definitely seen this one. From suburban backyards to city college campuses, the eastern squirrel is a common favorite when it comes to Illinois wildlife. Their true habitats are in trees, where they enjoy various buds. The rest of their diet consists of hickory nuts, fruits, berries, and tree bark, among other treats. You might see it grabbing a snack with its true front paws or its iconic bushy tail. But their most iconic facet is their occupation as seed dispersers! Squirrels hoard seeds and then scatter them, providing soil with plenty of seeds to nurture and grow. Did you know that there is another species of squirrel common in the Chicago region, including Lincoln Park? Fox Squirrels used to be more common in savanna and prairie ecosystems, but with the changes to the landscape over the past two hundred years since European settlement, they have become less common, and the Eastern Gray Squirrel has become more common.
The cardinal is our state bird for a reason! Cardinals live in Illinois all year, and they are very widespread! Unlike other small birds that migrate for the winter, the cardinal’s lovely red feathers are easy to spot amidst white snowfall. Cardinals are also excellent singers! As songbirds, they often whistle defensive and territorial tunes. Males are bright red to attract mates, whereas females display toned down colors so they can stay safe from predators while nesting.
This bird isn’t considered a backyard bird, but at this point, it might as well be one. Canada Geese are migrant birds that reside in Illinois for the summer – and now, the winter, too, because of modern changes to the landscape and climate that make it possible for them to survive winters here with us in Chicago. But it’s important to remember: our flying friends aren’t “invasive”. In fact, Canada Geese provide many benefits to our local area! By eating plants and later depositing them in different areas, these geese serve as seed dispersers. Back before the North American Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and in the years after that important agreement, Canada Goose populations were in serious trouble from unregulated hunting. Canada Geese disperse seeds and support many local predators, which are keystone species in ecosystems. This leads us to…
This carnivorous mammal lives in every ecosystem in our landscape, including the city. This keystone species regulates the populations of rodents and other creatures. As a natural predator, coyotes reduce disease transmission brought forth by oversized populations of other animals. Coyotes help shape natural landscapes, too. Their predatory instincts bring balance to natural areas where small mammals might be eating young trees or wildflowers that are essential for pollinators. Just by their diet, coyotes support a number of ecological processes that other animals rely on!
While there’s definitely an appeal to interacting with wildlife, it’s important to stay within safe margins. For example, by feeding coyotes, you not only risk a bite or injury, but their natural fear of humans might diminish. To coexist peacefully, humans should instead aid in habitat restoration and decrease pollution and littering. Learn more here!
There are many ways to help wildlife populations without interfering with their natural processes. Everyday habits like reusing, reducing, and recycling can positively impact the lives of many wildlife populations. Also, planting pollinator gardens can feed hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and invite other critters to your neighborhood! An excellent way to provide first-hand assistance to wildlife is by volunteering with local natural ecological restoration groups and supporting conservation initiatives such as EcoStewards in Lincoln Park. Happy wildlife week!
