Big Marsh Park in Chicago

Big Marsh Chicago operates from Big Marsh Park on Chicago's Southeast Side, coordinating bird conservation programs and habitat restoration projects through the Chicago Bird Alliance. The organization conducts regular bird surveys and monitoring activities to track local species populations, particularly focusing on wetland birds native to the Calumet region. Their field research contributes to regional wildlife databases and informs habitat management strategies for the 297-acre park system. The organization's signature event, the annual Mud Hen Run, combines recreational athletics with hands-on conservation education at Big Marsh Park. Proceeds from the event support specific habitat restoration projects, invasive species removal, and the maintenance of designated bird watching areas. The run traverses restored wetland trails, providing participants direct exposure to the marsh ecosystem they help preserve. Big Marsh Chicago partners with archaeological researchers studying historical land use patterns in the Calumet region, incorporating this data into current conservation planning. The organization maintains interpretive exhibits connecting past industrial use to present restoration efforts, documenting the site's transformation from steel mill to urban nature preserve. Their educational programming integrates scientific monitoring, cultural history, and practical conservation techniques to advance local ecological literacy.