Ryerson Woods In Deerfield Is Greener Still

Most people think that each park is naturally Green, wouldn't they? The attendance of trees, flowers, and even compost would lead anybody to believe that there is no Greener place in any area then a forest preserve. Well, there is still an abundance of room to advance nearly any Green program. Ryerson Woods has constantly stepped up its environmental standards and has lately earned the silver level certification from the Green Business League.

Kaye Kharasch is a well-know and Green Certified Consultant who has an absolute dedication and experience to the environmental issues in the greater Chicago area. Ryerson Woods worked closely with Kaye Kharasch from Green Building Connections to work through an evaluation of the point values needed to accomplish this Green certification.

The Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area (Ryerson Woods) is unique in the country–nationally recognized for its ecological, historical and architectural significance. Located on the east bank of the Des Plaines River, the area has long served as a natural corridor for travel by land and water. Major Native American trails forded the river at the present site of Ryerson Woods. It is a 552-acre preserve located near Deerfield, Illinois. With 279 acres officially dedicated as an Illinois Nature Preserve, Ryerson is home to several rare species, including the blue-spotted salamander, wood frog, eastern Mississauga rattlesnake, red-shouldered hawk, very, and purple fringed orchid.

Six miles of flat trails wind through a stately forest and follow a quiet river. They are open to hikers and–when snow is at least four inches deep–cross-country skiers. Brushwood,built as a summer homeby Ryerson Steel chairman and Chicago land philanthropist, Edward L. Ryerson, houses the staff of the Friends of Ryerson Woods, as well as a collection of rare nature books and changing art exhibitions depicting the beauty and wonder of nature.

The Brushwood home is one of the architectural resources of the Ryerson Conservation Area. Inspired by a 1840s Greek revival farmhouse in Marengo, Illinois, Brushwood was built in 1942. The majestic home with a columned portico was designed by Ambrose Cramer, who previously worked for the great estate architect, David Adler. The momentous feel of the house was achieved by salvaging brick, woodwork, and fixtures from older buildings. Cramer always described his project for the Ryerson's as his best. Ryerson Woods is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is a perfect model of green structural design, The Welcome Center houses a wide-ranging natural science library,a children's nature library and the environmental education employees of the Lake County Forest Preserves. The Ryerson Conservation Area gives the option of many nature programs and special events all through the year for families, adults, children, teachers and district groups.

Friends of Ryerson Woods uses the unique setting of Ryerson Woods to catalyze people's understanding, life-long appreciation, and behavior in support of nature. Friends accomplishes its mission in partnership with the Lake County Forest Preserve District. They will be a steward of the natural sanctuary that the Woods provide, ensuring its continuance as a quiet retreat. The historic buildings and grounds will be a center for training, education and discourse about nature for all skill levels and age groups, and an incubator for innovative approaches to environmental issues. Friends will convene organizations of the Chicago metropolitan region to seek creative, collaborative partnerships, providing a rich array of interdisciplinary programs that build a tradition of quality and dynamism.

In order to earn the Green certification, Ryerson Woods demonstrated a wide variety of existing Green Practices, and has even more plans to improve the Green Practices of the whole operations. Even park districts have business offices that use equipment, energy, paper, and need to improve the indoor air quality. Every office produces trash and eventually must throw out used equipment. In other words, running a park district is not just about beautiful gardens of fragrant flowers. There is a practical business side that needs the same kind of attention to the daily operation as many other businesses.

The willingness of Ryerson Woods to go from its stage of positive society influence to the next stage of Green operation is commendable and electrifying. The Ryerson Woods Park District is very proud to certify the Ryerson Woods Park District as a Green certified operation that everyone in the Deerfield, Illinois society can truly enjoy. Do your part as well.