The Fight to Protect Illinois' Endangered Habitat

Over 90% have been destroyed. Help us protect the remaining 10%.

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Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment. They act as natural water filters, filtering out potentially harmful pollutants. Adding to their importance as they help to moderate global warming, it was recently discovered that wetlands hold carbon within their plants and soil. Their ability to exist in a multitude of different climates makes wetlands unique and valuable.

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From The Nature Conservancy

From Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

More than a third of America's endangered species live or rely exclusively on wetlands. Over half depend on wetlands at least some point in their lives. Their importance to Illinois native habitats and the wildlife within them cannot be understated. All over the world, they help to cultivate a habitat for a diverse number of creatures. Local to Illinois wetlands, you can find the Blanding's turtle, who spend their winter months buried at the bottom of marshes. Blanding's turtles have the ability to travel over a mile in search of habitat, but due to the loss of wetlands, they are currently endangered in Illinois. Similar stories are found from many different species, such as chorus frogs, beavers, great blue herons, and more. Many migratory birds rely on Illinois wetlands during the summer months as a rest on their journey.

Unfortunately, due to urban development over the last several centuries, over 90% of Illinois' wetlands have been destroyed. Decades of undervaluing their contributions have led to little regulation in protecting them. Illinois lacks a statewide wetlands protection program. This is particularly pressing as many wetlands lost federal protection under the Clean Water Act following a Supreme Court decision in 2023.

Illinois PIRG Students is helping to run a student-led campaign on UIC campus to try to pressure Governor Pritzker into establishing a wetlands protection program by the end of the May 2026 legislative session.

If you are interested in helping out or learning more, here is the link to the group me. We also have a Beach Cleanup Event this Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm on North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park!

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