Investigating Sustainable Ecosystems at Big Marsh

First-year students in the SDGs & You class and the Water class embarked on a cross-curicular Field Experience. The students spent a beautiful fall day biking around Big Marsh to learn about the marsh as a sustainable ecosystem and the importance of green spaces in urban development. Big Marsh is on the eastern shore of Lake Calumet, the largest body of water in the city of Chicago. Lake Calumet was a shallow, post-glacial lake prior to industrial development. The Lake and the marshy areas surrounding it, including Big Marsh, have long been understood as a phenomenal natural resource.

In the third unit of their classes, first-year students have been investigating the environmental impact of industrialization and human activity. Guides from REI led the students through the park to learn about its history and future. After the tour, the students spent some time on the BMX course. This is definitely one for the books!