Natural thoughts: A naturalist in the city
I work in a large and urban forest preserve system that surrounds most of the city of Chicago. When I ask my coworkers where they are from or where they live, unsurprisingly they come from places outside of the city where there is more open space and less congestion and noise than in the heart of the city. "I really don't like big cities." says one of the naturalists I work with at a south-suburban nature center operated by the forest preserves. "I'll sometimes go into the city for a conference or an event, but otherwise my wife and I stay out of the city." "Woa, you're RIGHT IN the city, then!" says another coworker during a meeting when I tell her where I am living. "Yep," I reply sheepishly. I don't blame my coworkers for avoiding the city. Obviously, Chicago is not a well suited environment for naturalists who enjoy pristine green space and peace and quiet. Yet I am always someone who has enjoyed the conveniences of