Twenty years young, Chicago Wilderness is a regional alliance of 200 member organizations working across ecological and geographic boundaries

ONE REGIONWe harness adaptive and innovative thinking, apply solid science, and connect diverse communities. We do it all for nature and people.

By collaborating with leaders in conservation, health, business, education, science, and beyond, we take on challenging issues to ensure one resilient region.

Why does it matter?Because a healthy ecosystem means a healthy region and that is critical to us all.

DRAFT

you areA VITAL MEMBEROF OUR ECOSYSTEM.

you areyou areA VITAL MEMBERA VITAL MEMBEROF OUR ECOSYSTEM.OF OUR ECOSYSTEM.

20 YEARS OF WORKING TOGETHER FOR NEARBY NATURE.

ONE VOICEThe powerful voice of Chicago Wilderness embodies the needs of both nature and people in our region. We represent the multi-faceted interests of our members and partners, and align these perspectives to advance a shared vision for conservation action.

ONE VISIONIn the midst of numerous regional challenges, our habitats and species are under stress. We need to accelerate regional work for nature.

Chicago Wilderness is leading six pivotal conservation strategies to:protect our oak ecosystemssupport 12 priority speciesimprove our waterengage private and public landowners streamline data for member usebroaden our constituency, building beyond the choir

PEOPLE10 million+

MEMBERORGANIZATIONS200+

LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE200+ miles

STATES4

COUNTIES38

MUNICIPALITIES500+

PROTECTED ACRES545,000+GROSS REGIONALPRODUCT$575 billion+2013 U.S. Department of Commerce: Bureau of Economic Analysis

THE CHICAGO WILDERNESS REGION

We are building regional momentum for measurable results, and the timing is critical.

we areONE REGION,CONNECTED. ONE HOME.

BLANDING’S TURTLE

LITTLE BROWN BAT

MONARCHBUTTERFLY

MOTTLEDSCULPIN

RED-HEADEDWOODPECKER

RUSTY PATCHEDBUMBLE BEE

BLUE-SPOTTEDSALAMANDER

BOBOLINKELLIPSE HENSLOW’SSPARROW

SMOOTH GREEN SNAKE

REGAL FRITILLARY

12 priority species

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRIORITY SPECIES LEAD PARTNERSAudubon Chicago Region • The Field Museum • Illinois Department of Natural Resources• Illinois Natural History Survey • Lake County Forest Preserves • Lincoln Park Zoo National Great Rivers Research and Education Center • The Nature Conservancy, Illinois Chapter • Openlands • Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

one homeA CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT OUR SPECIES

WE ARE CELEBRATINGIn honor of our 20th Anniversary, Chicago Wilderness is spearheading a priority species effort with lead partners and numerous other organizations. We are uniquely positioned to meet significant conservation goals for large-scale impact.

SMALL IN SIZE, MASSIVE IN IMPORTANCETogether, these 12 critters would fit in your carry-on luggage. They are small but mighty, and they represent globally rare ecosystems across the Region.

From the red-headed woodpecker to the little brown bat, these animals and the lands & waters they inhabit – our ecosystems – help keep our water clean and our air safe to breathe.

BY SUPPORTING THESE SPECIESWe support critical habitats includingthe wetlands, woodlands, prairies, savannas, streams, and lakes on which they depend. Supporting our species means improving and expanding critical habitats through restoration, plantings, monitoring, outreach, and more.

With your help, we can carry ona new future for these animals and their habitats.

what part OF THIS REGIONALLEGACY WILL YOU PLAY?

#onehomechicagowilderness.org

Chicago Wilderness Congress A regional conservation conferenceNOVEMBER 2, 2016

Join the brainpower of top conservationists and partners at the Chicago Wilderness Congress. More than 700 attendees representing over 200 organizations will participate in the Breakfast of Champions, Lunch and Learn, Evening Reception, and Species Story Slam. You also won’t want to miss the Opening Program Performance, Speed Mentoring, and afternoon Film Festival.

Chicago Wilderness AwardsRecognizing our region’s bestJANUARY, 2017

We recognize the heroes who work so diligently to improve the health of our region’s nature, including the habitats of our priority species. The Chicago Wilderness Awards will celebrate their achievements, including highest quality restoration sites, conservation-friendly landscapes, and innovative outreach programs. Join us in paying tribute to the best of the best across the Region.

Crowdfunding for speciesFALL 2016

Support the species of your choice! Chicago Wilderness has partnered with CrowdRise, an online crowdfunding platform, to launch this web-based fundraising effort for each of the 12 priority species. Over 12 weeks, we’ll release new videos of each priority species along with fun facts and a storm of social media. Each dollar raised will be used to support the species efforts.

SPREAD THE WORD... Watch for targeted press and social media! Like our posts, retweet what compels you, and help spread the word about the 12 priority species.

FEATURING...12 Animals in 12 Weeks

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Anniversary Sponsorship Launches Fall 2016One Home: A Campaign to Support our Species

LEAVE A LEGACY...WE INVITE YOU TO BE A PART OF CREATING THIS

REGIONAL LEGACY BY HELPING US SECURE RESOURCESAND SHINE A WELL-DESERVED SPOTLIGHT ON THIS

HISTORIC EFFORT.

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For more information, please contact: Chicago Wilderness Suzanne Malec-McKenna (312) 224-8095 | onehome@chicagowilderness.org | chicagowilderness.org

Support Our Anniversary

Your contribution to Chicago Wilderness will accelerate regional conservation work. From our Biennial Congress to the Chicago Wilderness Awards program and beyond, your sponsorship supports regional collaboration to advance habitat restoration, data coordination, species monitoring, outreach, and much more. Please join us.

LEGACY PARTNER$25,000 You see what conservation legacy work can do for our region’s future.

20th Anniversary Umbrella Host, including:Congress• Opening Event Presentation • Anniversary Celebration Lunch• Species Story Slam• Student Scholarships to Congress• Film Festival Chicago Wilderness Awards Ceremony • Underwriter • Awards HostBranding• Prominent on all anniversary events, materials, and media outreach

SIGNATURE SPONSOR$10,000You are a unique conservation leader supporting critical work.Congress• Speed Mentoring Session• Town Halls• Evening Reception • Student Scholarships to Congress• Branding on select anniversary events, materials, & media outreach

CHAMPION SPONSOR$5,000You actively invest in smart conservation projects with impact.Congress• Breakfast of Champions• Exhibit Table• 10 Registrations • Logo on web and print materials

ADVOCATE $1,000Your conservation voice provides a valuable foundation for our work.Congress• Exhibit Table • 3 Registrations• Logo on web and slide show

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Ask about opportunities to feature your organization in our upcoming crowdfunding campaign supporting priority species.

your support ACCELERATES OUR REGIONAL WORK.

For more information, please contact: Chicago Wilderness

Suzanne Malec-McKenna312.224.8095

onehome@chicagowilderness.orgchicagowilderness.org

Please consider a special contribution in honor of our 20th Anniversary.

There will be no galas, no auctions, no dressing up with fancy cocktails.Instead, your contribution to Chicago Wilderness will go directly to supporting our Biennial Congress and Awards programming, raising awareness about our collaborative work for nature across the region. (Don’t worry, there will still be cocktails.)

Your additional support will… sponsor student participation, create new programming & opportunities for member input, fund creative celebration through the arts, andmark our collective 20 years of hard work!

For more information, please contact: Chicago Wilderness

Suzanne Malec-McKenna312.224.8095

onehome@chicagowilderness.orgchicagowilderness.org

ADVOCATE $1,000Your conservation voice provides a valuable foundation for our work.Congress• Exhibit table • 3 Registrations• Logo on web and slide show

STEWARD$500Your tireless on-the-ground efforts propel all we do.Congress• Evening Reception • 2 Registrations• Logo on web and slide show

FRIEND$100Your one-time gift is greatly appreciated.Congress• Logo on web and slide show

COLLABORATOR$250You know you make a difference and we value your support.Congress• 1 Registration• Logo on web and slide show

Stay tuned for our crowdfunding campaign to support priority species.

your support ACCELERATES OUR REGIONAL WORK.

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one homeA CAMPAIGNTO SUPPORT OURSPECIES

Chicago Wilderness is a regional alliance leading strategy to preserve, improve, and expand nature and quality of life.

On April 10, 1996, 34 organizationsgathered to launch what many considered an oxymoron: Chicago Wilderness.

The media called it a “supergroup,” and a “pioneering project.” This historic moment was the first time that such a group of partners came together to focus on nature in this region. They leveraged resources, shared knowledge, and tackled ecological challenges across the Region.

Twenty years later, the "supergroup" continues its great work for nearby nature.

312.224.8028 / info@chicagowilderness.orgchicagowilderness.org8 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 2101Chicago, IL 60603

Blue-spotted Salamander

ADDITIONAL THANKS:Priority Species Advisors Chicago Botanic GardenForest Preserve District of Kane County Shedd AquariumUSDA Forest Service

Legacy Partner Forest Preserves of Cook County

PHOTOS: J.K. Bland (mottled sculpin)Caroline Hlohowskyj (rusty patched bumble bee)Roger Klocek (ellipse)Doug Taron (regal fritillary)

CHICAGO WILDERNESS NEEDS YOU.