Environmental Reviews and Case Studies: A Plan for Nature in Glenview: Creating and Implementing a Natural Resources Plan at the Community Level

Abstract

Green infrastructure planning at the community level is explored through a description of the development and implementation of a natural resources plan for the Village of Glenview, a Chicago suburb. The plan grew from previous investments in natural resources, such as zoning and ordinance protection and the redevelopment of a 1,121-acre naval air station in the village. Projects originating from the plan have included streambank stabilizations, detention basin naturalizations, rain gardens, remeandering and naturalization of a reach of the West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, and public outreach efforts. Keys to the plan's creation and implementation to date include official incorporation of a politically sophisticated Natural Resources Commission into local government, thorough ecological assessment of existing natural resources, grant funding and political viability due to the coincidence of habitat- and water-quality improvement goals, consistency with regional plans, peer recognition, ...