Everyone should be able to connect with nature.
Our natural environment is at risk — species go extinct every day due to climate change, loss of natural areas, and invasive species. Many people live is places where they are disconnected from the natural world, and some people are excluded from enjoying green spaces through forces beyond their control.
At Extension, we want to reconnect all types of people with wildlife and natural spaces by sharing knowledge, facilitating wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, and supporting advocacy work by informed and engaged naturalists.
Coexisting with wildlife
Humans have a long history of engaging with the wildlife native to Illinois’ prairies and forests from marveling at a wild-tailed deer darting across a field to delighting in the bright colors of a monarch caterpillar munching on milkweed.
In the modern world, humans are increasingly coming into conflict with plants and animals, which are not always welcome where we live and work. People tend to fear what we don’t understand, including wildlife, which often unknowingly interferes with human endeavors.
Moving toward a coexistence mindset will help us solve environmental challenges facing humans and to sustain the rich biodiversity of Illinois. At University of Illinois and Extension, our research and engagement efforts focus on working with communities at the intersection where wildlife and humans meet.
