The Chicago Botanic Garden has long been interested in plant conservation. Nearly one-third of the Garden’s 385 acres is devoted to natural areas. For many years, the Garden has supported an active program of research in these areas – Mary McDonald Woods, the Dixon Prairie and the Skokie River Corridor. This research has focused on the impact of restoration and reconstruction on plant species and communities. Experiments have also been underway to determine the best management protocols for these environments.
In the mid-1990s steps were taken to extend the impact of Garden science and broaden its scope. The Conservation Science Department was established and dedicated to the preservation of rare plants in the upper Midwest as well as to the restoration of the plants lost from natural landscapes. Research focuses on understanding the genetic and ecological factors that influence the reproductive success and population stability of plants in both natural and reintroduced settings.
The department consists of three programs:
The Conservation Science staff has developed strong relationships with a number of partners including universities, other gardens and arboreta, as well as regional, national and international conservation agencies.
