The nonprofit conservationist group Openlands launched the freely accessible map in June at
Much of the information on the new site, including details of the enormous amount of natural resources in the south suburbs, was already available online but from multiple sources at several different sites covering the entire Chicago region.
The new Openlands map highlights 350 natural areas from several agencies, such as the forest preserve districts of Cook and Will Counties, the U.S. Forest Service and municipal park districts.
“In Illinois there are more units of government per capita than any other state,” said Patrick Williams, Openlands spokesman.
He said the Openlands map brings information about all the natural areas in one place in a comprehensive way.
Williams said that could be especially useful if a bicyclist wants to use a trail that spans multiple counties.
He said he’s not aware of a map or website of this kind being created before, though he wondered why.
“It does seem like a no-brainer,” Williams said.
The Openlands map allows users to type in their zip codes to virtually explore their closest natural areas.
“At a time when more and more Americans are expressing greater interest in nature while believing they have less time and fewer places to enjoy it, we’ve committed to providing a way for residents to quickly and easily find places to explore the outdoors right here near Chicago,” said Jerry Adelmann, Openlands president, in a news release.
Williams said people can use the map to find a quick nature walk after work or a day-long hike.
He said residents in the south suburbs have access to a vast array of natural resources, such as at the Palos Preserves, which is the largest concentration of land in the Cook County Forest Preserve system with nearly 40 miles of unpaved trails and 15,000 acres.
Here, Williams said, families can spend a quick afternoon at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center and learn about some of the native creatures, hike in the woods or even try horseback riding.
At Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in western Will County, he said, users can enjoy more than 20 miles of trails checking out migratory birds, a roaming bison herd or old military bunkers.
Residents in southeastern Cook County can enjoy any of the preserves in the Thorn Creek Trail system with more than 20 miles paved trails.
Someone looking for a quick hike, such as with their dog, can try the 2.7-mile looping trail at Midlothian Meadows.
The Openlands map also allows users to click on dozens of filters, such as for biking, hiking, if the park is pet-friendly, if it’s close to public transportation and if there are restrooms.
“We focus on the user experience with the map,” Williams said. “Americans love getting outside. It’s one of the fastest growing hobbies. Simultaneously, adults feel like there’s nothing near them in the cities or they have no time to enjoy them.”
He said this new map aims to change that perception.
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
