Courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

In 2004, Lincoln Park Zoo launched the South Pond Project, a project based on engaging citizen scientists.  A large (approximately 5 acre) pond lies at the southern edge of the zoo. Not only does this pond provide a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of the city, but it is also a resting place for migratory birds and a home for many native animals. The water quality of the South Pond is especially important because it feeds into Lake Michigan. Since the project's conception, hundreds of Chicago-area students have come to the pond to study avian populations, water quality, and other components of
pond ecology. Students have even compiled reports and suggestions of what they would like to see the pond look like in the future. The zoo is currently working with the city to plan improvements to the pond (such as the addition of aquatic plants to the now bare shoreline) and suggestions of students have been incorporated into the final design.

Courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

Schools, home-study groups, and citizen scientists are welcome to come to the South Pond at Lincoln Park Zoo. Free classes and loan kits are available for use. Go to www.lpzoo.org/education/ for more information.

To meet the demands of so many visiting students, Lincoln Park Zoo has also implemented a volunteer naturalist program based around the pond. Interested citizens receive 15 hours of coursework on birding, water quality, and pond ecology. These educated volunteers interpret at the pond, lead Bird Walks, and collect data on birds and water quality.

Educational components of the South Pond Project have been made possible by generous support from the Illinois EPA, Kemper, HSBC, Johnson Controls, Peoples Energy, and a BP Leadership Award.

Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience in the heart of Chicago and by advancing the highest quality animal care, education, science, and conservation.

Courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

For more information on Lincoln Park Zoo, visit www.lpzoo.org