Community Profile

Summary

Founded in 1863 on Lake Michigan beaches, oak ridges, and marshes, and a segment of the "Great Woods" to the northwest, Evanston now has lakefront beaches both wild and cultivated; the North Shore channel, an artificial waterway with a wooded riparian strip, and a small forest preserve that contains a remnant of the Big Woods and is surrounded by neighborhoods dominated by oaks. These natural features are potential corridors linking Evanston habitats to the City of Chicago and North Shore communities. Evanston is well positioned to support the abundant wildlife that concentrates near the lakefront during migration: over 200 land bird species of which 55 are of special conservation concern, as well as monarch butterflies, green darner and wandering glider dragonflies. Apart from backyard habitats, the city is home to a forested swamp preserve, arboretum and a lakefront bird sanctuary. Strongly committed to sustainable living, Evanston has an engaged community of naturalists, birders, gardeners, and local groups focused on reducing greenhouse gases. Evanston signed the United States Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2006 and set goals to reduce the city's carbon footprint. Since then, the City has reduced electricity usage by 25 percent since 2005, exceeding its Climate Action Plan Goals, and aggregated citywide utility negotiations and purchased 100 percent renewable electricity for residents and small businesses. Evanston was named 2015 Fund Earth Hour City Capital by World Wildlife Fund, and is one of only two US cities to achieve a 4 star rating (out of five stars) from STAR Communities, based on seven categories measuring economic, environmental and social factors. The Arbor Day Foundation has designated Evanston a Tree City every year since 1984.