Protecting Freshwater Starts with Wetlands

​Chicago, the bustling city of skyscrapers, was once covered by sprawling wetlands that stretched across much of Illinois. Wetlands are misunderstood and vitally important freshwater systems that benefit humankind, plant and aquatic life. As some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems, they house countless species and improve water quality. However, today Illinois only retains roughly 10% of our original wetlands, and the current administration is rolling back what used to be federal conservation safeguards.  

​In this Chicago Water Week panel discussion, experts from around the Chicagoland area will dive into the importance of these essential systems as nature’s own freshwater infrastructure and discuss what we can do to protect them – from personal behaviors to business investments and even statewide protections through legislation. This coincides with broader efforts around the globe raising awareness about these imperiled habitats. Potential panelists include: 

• ​Callie Klatt Golba, Ph.D.; curator of turtle conservation at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 

• ​David McEllis, J.D.; Illinois legislative director at the Environmental Law and Policy Center 

• ​Melissa Youngquist, Ph.D.,; research biologist at Shedd Aquarium