Natural Connections

Greenmapping.org is the Chicago region’s first comprehensive database of green infrastructure featuring data for a 19-county region, which can be used to create customized maps, developed in partnership between CNT and Openlands to support natural resource protection and land preservation efforts across parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.

The project team compiled the best available data for a 19-county region, including data from more than 60 local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private land trusts and conservation groups. The data layers include publicly owned lands, existing and proposed greenways, waterways, trails, and other natural areas and open spaces. Selected highways, towns, and state and county borders are also included for reference purposes.

One product that resulted from this project is a two-sided poster-size map, displaying the green infrastructure in 14 counties in Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, while identifying the most promising opportunities for bi-state cooperation, highlighting important resources that lie along the Wisconsin-Illinois and the Indiana-Illinois borders. A data archive was created that allows users to download most of the data collected (some data is protected by confidentiality agreements) and obtain information on how to use green infrastructure to improve their communities. Finally, an interactive web mapping tool enables users to create customized maps of the region’s green infrastructure.

The project arose from a 2000 Openlands conference on natural resource protection in the tri-state area. While preparing for the conference, Openlands could not find a map of the three state’s green infrastructure, and members noticed that the majority of information on natural resources is limited to counties and states. Natural Connections began as an effort to more effectively address green issues at the regional level, combining data on natural resources with CNT’s powerful geographic mapping resources to create data that provides a more holistic view of the tri-state region.

To learn more, visit the website at http://www.greenmapping.org/.

The Joyce Foundation provided funding for Phase I; they are also supporting Phase II along with The Boeing Company, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness.

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Publications

Reconnecting Fort Wayne: Green Infrastructure

By CNT. August 1, 2008. (.pdf, 1,091.1kb)

Stormwater Management and Green Infrastructure

By CNT. July 1, 2007. (.pdf, 432.0kb)

Natural Connections: An Illustrated Guide to Green Infrastructure Mapping

By CNT and Openlands. June 1, 2007. (.org/repository/, 12.0kb)

Water: From Trouble to Treasure, A Pocket Guide to

By CNT. December 6, 2006. (.pdf, 2,125.0kb)

Regional CO2 Emissions Map: Chicago

By CNT. (.pdf, 234.3kb)

More Natural Resources publications...


News

May 28th, 2008 It’s Planting Season!

CNT’s Green Infrastructure research and demonstration projects are moving into their final planting and monitoring season.

March 21st, 2008 March 22 is the 15th Annual Celebration of World Water Day

What can you do to celebrate World Water Day and become a more conscious water user?

October 25th, 2007 Green Blessings: From Pavement to Green Open Space

CNT helps create natural open space and promote community greening at the Saint Margaret Mary Church and School on Chicago’s north side.


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Natural Resources

Projects

Natural Connections

This information system, developed in partnership with the Openlands Project, maps the interconnected network of Green infrastructure from Wisconsin to Indiana.

Green Values®

A tool that allows developers, regulators or property owners to assess the economic and hydrological impact of green vs. conventional stormwater management.

Green Solutions for the MWRD

A collaboration with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) to identify best practices in stormwater management

Green Insfrastructure Demonstration Projects

Projects to construct and monitor the performance of varied green infrastructure BMPs in providing in-ground and surface storage and infiltration that reduces stormwater runoff entering the sewer system.

Tools

Natural Connections Interactive Map

This information system, developed in partnership with the Openlands Project, maps the interconnected network of Green infrastructure from Wisconsin to Indiana.

Green Values® Stormwater Calculator

A tool that allows developers, regulators or property owners to assess the economic and hydrological impact of green vs. conventional stormwater management.

Edens Lost & Found Action Guide

A guide to put you in touch with a diverse set of organizations working across the Chicago region to advance urban sustainability.