From Winnemac Park
When it comes to time spent in nature, I believe in the art of consistent observation…
There is beauty in taking it all in from a singular place, day after day. Here, you have the chance to truly understand not only a specific environment, but the behavior of your local birds and surrounding biodiversity, just as they have no choice but to understand you.
I am lucky to have found that place within Winnemac Park and hope that you too have a cherished spot in nature that provides the feeling of home.
What started as daily trips to a local Chicago park transformed into a fantastic opportunity to highlight the beauty that can be found in our local urban habitat. It is here that I visit almost daily; photographing and observing all the wonders that Winnemac has to offer. Areas like these are crucial features not only in our cities, but in quick-growing suburban spaces across the country that require our attention. There is natural magic all around us, you simply have to go outside to fall under its spell.
The primary goal of my visits is to observe and track the biodiversity that takes up residence within Winnemac Park. Here, taking note of our birds, wildflowers, trees, and insects take a front seat, however, it does not restrict my focus as there is much to put my lens upon and still plenty to learn. It is important to remember that even the smallest of natural areas has the capability to make a difference - as do you. I did not saunter into our park a naturalist, however, am grateful I have had the opportunity to acquire knowledge on these spaces that allow me to share my experiences with you.
Come for the photos and stories, stay for the musical selections. This playlist features the songs I use to bring my cherished observations to life.
Our beloved park was named after Chief Winamac*, a signer of the treaty of Greenville (1795). While this succeeded a significant portion of land to the United States, this could be viewed as a signifier of sovereignty. This action, however, made it possible for large waves of settlers to take up residence within Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, forcing native tribes from their homes. In 1833, the Treaty of Chicago was signed, with Leopold Pokagon acting as one of the last signers of the treaty. His sober negotiations (surrounding the adoption of Catholicism) led to an amendment, allowing his band to remain in the lower parts of Michigan as many Potawatomi were forced to make their way to Kansas and westward around 1837. This journey to a new territory that was never chosen, caused a significant loss of life to the Potawatomi; yet they never lost touch with who they were or the lands they loved. The Pokagon Band regained recognition in 1994 with the signing of Public Law: 103-323 (B. Clinton), where they remain in parts of Michigan. Today, Potawatomi reside across the US and Canada with eight other federally recognized Potawatomi bands continuing to keep the fire alive in Michigan; Oklahoma; Wisconsin; Kansas; Indiana; Illinois; and Ontario, Canada. The only federally recognized band within the state of Illinois is the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, with ~120 acres in Northern Illinois. I, and many others, hope that more land will be given back in the future.
As it stands currently, our park features no information on this incredible tribe, beautiful language, or their enriching history. It would be incredibly valuable to have this information accessible for those who frequent Winnemac, as it is crucial to incorporate a stronger historical Potawatomi presence on the north side of Chicago. Moreover, their exquisite native language is at a crucial point with very few fluent speakers remaining. This is something I hope to help revitalize and am thankful I have the chance to learn Bodwéwadmimwen through the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians; needless to say, I look forward to my future language endeavors with them.
While I have selected names our prairies (for personal tracking and documentation reasons) that bring impactful leaders and Bodéwadmi to the forefront, these are not official in any other way than my own personal writings. While I always aim to give a voice to our natural areas and the wonder that resides within, there is a coinciding goal to lift the voices, language, and history of those whose lands we now live upon.
*Winamac means Catfish in Bodéwadmi.
Potawatomi means People of The Place of The Fire, Keepers of The Fire. Part of the Council of Three fires with the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Odawa (Ottawa) tribes. Ojibwe were keepers of the faith, Odawa were keepers of the trade, and the Potawatomi were the keepers of the fire. Here, as the youngest of the council, they work to keep the heart and spirit of the tribe vibrant and forward-moving.
For more, visit: Introduction: From Winnemac Park • Potawatomi Lands
Potawatomi Lands
Planting native wildflowers when and where you are able. This can come in the form of incorporating them into your current garden, courtyard areas, parkways, and balcony spaces. Seek out seeds and plants that are sold and distributed at local sales to ensure they are locally sourced and approved. Natives can be incorporated year round; in the form of direct installation or seed scattering (the season will dictate best approach). Right now, this is one of the most crucial things you can do with the emergence of data centers taking valuable resources in our grasslands.
Start observing and taking note of your local green spaces; no area is too small to track. You may be surprised what you find visiting your array of wildflowers. By choosing to highlight and observe these areas, you help to bring greater attention to their presence.
If tracking and observing is out of reach, taking initiative to learn about the biodiversity that resides around you. Trees, birds, insects, fungus, and beyond all play a crucial role in our local ecosystems and they are not hard to find with a watchful eye. By simply learning about them, you have the capability to help green spaces thrive in the long run and perhaps have the opportunity to bring awareness to others.
Take part in a local natural areas work-day; these occur in various neighborhoods throughout Chicago and can include native plant installations, seed gathering, removal of invasive growth, trash pick-up, and more. Here, you have a chance to make a direct impact within your community and see the efforts of your work come to fruition in a shared space. Not only does this benefit your area, it can be a fabulous way to meet individuals who value the same cause.
Donate to your local parks and/or their advisory councils, who are often working to create betterment for our established city parks here in Chicago. There are many environmental groups, both locally and nationally who are working toward enhancement, awareness and preservation of our beloved green spaces. (www.winnemacpac.org/donate-1). Additionally, I ask that you consider donating to local tribes; I have linked a few above and encourage you to learn more.
Stay curious & ask questions. This can be to an individual carrying out work in these areas, volunteers who are familiarized with the spaces you are interested in, writing to local officials to see how areas are being preserved or cared for, and beyond. The more you inquire, the more you will learn. I am quite fond of engaging with any one executing work in our park, for they often know something I do not, and perhaps the other way around. It not only enhances awareness, but has potential to open the door for greater communication.
Small acts that make a big difference…
