In 2022, the Conservancy completed the major work in the $7.3M restoration of North Pond, funded with the generous support of over 550 individual donors. The project comprehensively dredged the pond; graded, restored and replanted its eroded shoreline; and added sustainability features including a natural polymer liner and park underdrains to combat water loss. The project also included park improvements including new benches, paths and lighting to upgrade visitors’ experience. The initial phase of the North Pond project comprised the building of the Sunshine Playscape, a nature playground adjacent to the Pond, in 2019. The final component of the restoration phase will focus on adding nearly 70 new trees, hundreds of native plants, and thousands of native seeds during the spring and summer of 2023. Once completed, our true stewardship of the Pond will begin with the help of our dedicated North Pond Gardeners and corporate volunteers. 

Details: In 1999, North Pond was rehabilitated by the Chicago Park District and the Lincoln Park Conservancy, and renamed the North Pond Nature Sanctuary. What was once a landscape filled with Kentucky blue grass and lilac bushes soon became a thriving, natural ecosystem built around a diverse palette of native plants that provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat to local and migrating wildlife. Today, over 150 plant species attract 220+ bird species and numerous small mammals, reptiles, insects, and amphibians.

The Lincoln Park Conservancy has continually maintained the North Pond Nature Sanctuary since its 1999 rehabilitation. We provide a full-time Site Manager and two seasonal employees to help maintain the pond, and offer volunteer programs and events.

Restoration Status: Restored 2019-2022; stewardship ongoing through our EcoStewards and Corporate Workday Programs.

Location: The 15-acre sanctuary is located in Lincoln Park between Fullerton and Diversey Parkways, and Stockton and Cannon Drives in Chicago, IL 60614

Owned and Managed By: The Chicago Park District

Maintenance and Programming By: The Lincoln Park Conservancy

Current Size: 15 acres

Original Landscape Architect: Swain Nelson and Olaf Benson