CHICAGO — October 23, 2025 — Audubon Great Lakes’ Powderhorn Lake Habitat Restoration Project has been recognized with a Force of Nature Conservation Award from the Chicago Wilderness Alliance, a collaborative network spanning Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin that brings together leaders and organizations advancing nature-based solutions across the region.

The Force of Nature Awards celebrate people and projects that rise to meet the moment with bold ideas, creative partnerships, and meaningful action. Awardees are recognized by their peers for sparking ripples of positive change for nature and communities alike—proving that one person or one project can make a difference that reaches far beyond expectations.

“Communities across the country are facing unprecedented challenges, so it’s more important than ever to find hope and strength in collective action,” said Elizabeth Kessler, Chair of the Chicago Wilderness Alliance and Executive Director of the McHenry County Conservation District. “The individuals and sites recognized this year remind us that optimism and collaboration remain powerful forces. Their work is not only inspiring—it’s a blueprint for how we can continue to come together to protect what matters most and build a more resilient future.”

Restoring a Rare Gem in the Calumet Region

The historic Powderhorn Lake Habitat Restoration Project, completed in 2023, restored more than 100 acres of wetlands by reconnecting Powderhorn Lake to Wolf Lake—and ultimately Lake Michigan. Powderhorn Lake Forest Preserve on Chicago’s southeast side, is one of the most biodiverse natural areas in Illinois. It contains a globally rare dune-and-swale landscape—a mosaic of ridges, wetlands, and prairies found only along a few shorelines of the Great Lakes.

This multi-year collaboration between Audubon Great Lakes, the Great Lakes Commission, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reestablished vital marsh habitat for migratory birds, while also providing broader community benefits such as reduced flooding and erosion. The project was made possible through strong partnerships with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, local communities, and conservation allies dedicated to revitalizing Chicago’s Calumet Region.

“Powderhorn Lake is a story of renewal—of how communities, science, and partnerships can come together to bring a landscape back to life,” said Michelle Parker, Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Great Lakes. “We’re proud to see this work recognized by the Chicago Wilderness Alliance, and grateful to our partners and the people who made this restoration possible.”

“We’re already seeing marshbird species like Least Bitterns and Common Gallinules returning to the site—birds that depend on healthy wetland ecosystems to survive,” said Daniel Suarez, Conservation Director for Audubon Great Lakes. “This recognition underscores the importance of restoring habitat in places like Powderhorn Lake, where even small changes can create big wins for birds and people.”

The Chicago Wilderness Alliance recognized 31 individuals, organizations, and projects at its Celebration of Conservation event held October 22, 2025, at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. The Alliance brings together hundreds of partners and professionals across the four-state region to implement landscape-scale conservation that ensures both people and nature thrive.

Learn more about the Powderhorn Lake Forest Preserve restoration project: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8761f0b9c0d44095a3cbeb1e66bb7317