Model River Projects The City and US Army Corps of Engineers will bring their successful lakefront partnership to Chicago's other shoreline. As water quality in the City's rivers improves, non-motorized boats are becoming increasingly popular for recreation and even hold potential as a commuting option. In addition to the rivers that wind through the city, Chicago's bike routes and rail corridors can connect Chicagoans to the City's nature amenities, providing recreation and transportation options. Habitat corridors provide wildlife safe passage to food sources and enhance species diversity in neighborhood natural areas. Railway Corridors Rail commerce continues to be a vital part of the City's economy and passenger trains bring thousands of workers and visitors to Chicago every day.
Wildlife also use the corridors to move through and around the city.
Bike Trails Chicago began an aggressive plan in 1992 to build bike lanes and bike trails throughout the City to promote bike commuting and recreation. Implementing Conservation Design The city's growth is an opportunity to develop habitat along with industrial and residential areas. The southeast side is realizing a new potential, and industrial development on Chicago's rivers provides unique options. The City is cleaning up and assembling 160 acres of brownfields for development as a model urban industrial park. Landscape Design With a rich natural heritage and industrial and residential growth, the south-east side is an excellent place to demonstrate the benefits of conservation design on a regional scale.