A Council of the Lincoln Park Conservancy

Welcome to the North Pond Conservation Council's official website. We're happy to have you visit the North Pond Nature Sanctuary virtually and hope this site will inspire you to shut off your computer and come outside to see the beauty and serenity that awaits you at this very special urban oasis.

Founded in 1995, the North Pond Conservation Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to protect, promote and enhance the North Pond Nature Sanctuary as a high-quality urban wildlife and natural area to benefit its visitors, neighbors, wildlife, and the environment.

As a council of the Lincoln Park Conservancy, our goal is to bring the North Pond Nature Sanctuary's natural landscape to its full potential and then preserve it for future generations.

We cannot accomplish this important work, however, without the help of our members, our donors, and our volunteers. So we invite you to join us by calling (773) 913-5703, e-mailing us at info@northpond.org.

The North Pond Conservation Council picks up where the Chicago Park District leaves off, taking on projects that are important to the pond, but do not fit into the city budget. We fund landscaping improvements, ecological projects, educational programs, community outreach and volunteer stewardship opportunities for nature lovers of all ages.

These projects are possible because of your support. We invite you to join us in our mission of stewardship for this beautiful, natural resource we call the North Pond Nature Sanctuary. Visit the "Join Us " section to download a membership form.

WHAT WE DO

The North Pond Conservation Council is a partner with the Chicago Park District in the management of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary. Our North Pond Gardeners meet once a month (or more) to restore and beautify the pond. They tirelessly maintain the native Midwestern prairie, savannah, woodland and natural shoreline areas that surround the 10-acre pond.

We collect data on the long-term progress of the pond through The Biodiversity Program. Volunteers monitor butterflies, dragonflies, frogs, birds, and survey for the dreaded Asian Longhorned Beetle to help save our trees.

We hold quarterly meetings to receive community input, which always begin with an educational speaker who lectures on pond ecology or related systems. Our speakers have included the best and brightest naturalists from the Chicagoland area discussing everything from the importance of native plants to the return of the once-endangered Peregrine Falcon.

We are important advocates for the park when it comes to city services such as trash removal, tree care, and bench and path repairs. We advocate for park safety with the Chicago Police Department, City Dept. of Human Services, and other local organizations.

It's probably easier to ask...What DON'T we do?

Lincoln Park Conservancy

OUR MISSION

The Lincoln Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve, restore and enhance the natural, historical and culutral assets of Lincoln Park through advocacy and the implementation of special projects.

We identify a park area in need, restore it to its full potential with community input, and then commit to its long-term maintenance and programming with the help of our members, donors, and volunteers.

Visit our website at www.lincolnparkconservancy.org or call (773) 883-7275 for a brochure.

RESTORATION OF THE
ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

In 1997, the Lincoln Park Conservancy and the Chicago Park District began plans to restore the Lily Pool to Alfred Caldwell's original vision - "A cool, refreshing, clear place of trees and stones and running water." After raising $1.2 million, the Conservancy partnered with the Park District in the $2.4 million restoration that was completed and re-opened to the public in May 2002. The Conservancy co-manages the Lily Pool with the Chicago Park District and runs a docent program to share the rich history of the site with the public.

THE LINCOLN PARK
CONSERVATORY COUNCIL

Since 1997, the Lincoln Park Conservatory Council has worked to promote use, appreciation and understanding of the historic conservatory by developing and funding displays and educational programs. The Conservancy recently hired David Woodhouse Architects to begin a Master Plan for the Conservatory, which needs many improvements including educational space.