Shedd Aquarium Volunteers Help Local Forest Preserves

The Shedd Aquarium has expanded its influence past just its unmistakable structure on Chicago’s lakefront.

Since its launch of the popular “Amphibians” exhibit in April, they have partnered with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to restore habitats county-wide and plan what they call “Amphibians Great Lakes Action Days” at local forest preserves.

Staff and volunteers of the Aquarium were at Somme Woods in Northbrook Friday morning and mid-afternoon removing invasive species, checking water quality levels and monitoring wildlife as part of its 14th Action Days event - all of which have occurred at either Somme Woods or Bob Mann Woods near Oak Brook.

“We have had a great response,” said Reid Bogert, coordinator of Great Lakes and Sustainability at the Shedd’ Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research. “We’re working with a local conservation group at Somme Woods, called Habitat 2030. This group of younger and highly motivated conservationists support Shedd’s stewardship work at Somme, and they also come to learn about our focus on restoring amphibian habitat.”

The Shedd’s Action Days aren’t limited to people already affiliated with the Aquarium, however. Bogert says the events, which usually take four hours, can host up to 30 volunteers.

The new program also offers year-round stewardship opportunities. Volunteers can help restore pond habitat for amphibians in winter by removing woody invasive plants surrounding the ponds. In spring, participants can observe habitat improvements and support amphibian monitoring for species like the blue spotted salamander.

Monitoring wildlife at the events such as Friday’s in Northbrook is an important action as 41 percent of the world’s 6,000 amphibian species are threatened, according to information from the Shedd.