CTA Nature Guides

Here's a quick community guide to view highlighted green spaces and aquatic ecosystems such as local river sections/lagoons/and waterfalls in close proximity to Chicago's CTA "Loop" line stops. Ranging from easy commute accessibility to areas inaccessible to the public but in viewing sight of the train car.

While exploring the nature guides...

Find suggested instructions on how to commute to certain environmental spaces (BUT before you go exploring, please take caution of your surroundings and trust your gut on what your comfort level of exploration is, stay safe as individuals in a very sensitive climate in society, bring hand-sanitizer, sunglasses, pepper spray, reusable utensils, and anything else that will make your commute comfortable!).
Explore how the spaces are being created from the city to community aspect - how is the design of the space affecting those sharing the space. Are they designed/curated with open fields for reactional play and community gathering spaces with culturally inclusive aspects? Maybe urban farming and gardening with easy accessibility to clean water?
Then explore how the spaces are being utilized from the city and community aspects - how are various parties treating the space (with consideration to its design aspect). Are gathering spaces being upkept for farmers markets or do they require environmental remediation every year due to designated festival locations?

Take the time to plan your trip out if you've never visited before, from commute/bathrooms/food spots to learning the natural history of certain locations.

Click to read Chicagos EJ History

Black Train Markers = CTA Stops
Dark Green = Easier Access (least amount of effort commuting)
Light Green = Moderate Effort to Access (requiring extended periods of walking, biking, bus-riding, crossing high-traffic)
Yellow = Inaccessible but nice to view from train car and have un-realized potential.
Blue = Sections of Waterfront Viewing/Access

*This is all judged based on an able-bodied person using block-to-block proximity for basing accessibility. Actively reviewing accessible technology (such as elevators) service and functionability as I go.

CTA Nature Guide Color Key

This line will take you through the south side of Chicago's neighborhoods and natural spaces, taking you to nearby locations such as Washington Parks lagoon and arboretum, a few beach fronts viewing Lake Michigan, access to The South Branch of The Chicago River from Ping-Tom Memorial Park, all the way to the downtown Chicago gardens and waterfront access points!

*There are limited ventures into green spaces for this line due to emergence of this project page in summer 2024 - please stay tune for more ventures @wearethecityinagarden on Instagram.

This line will take you through the south-west side of Chicago's neighborhoods and natural spaces, taking you to nearby locations such as Mckinley Parks Lagoon, floating gardens by Park no.571, a waterfall at Palmisano's Nature Park all the way to downtown gardens at the Art Institute of Chicago and parks along the water fronts. There are also a few ways to access the river fronts walking paths and dedicated green spaces.

This line will take you through the south side of Chicago's neighborhoods and natural spaces, taking you to nearby locations such as Washington Park Lagoon and Arboretum, Community Hubs like Box-ville and Overton Creative Grounds, Ogdon Public Park Pool to all the way to downtown gardens at the Art Institute of Chicago and parks along the water fronts. There are also a few ways to access the river fronts walking paths and dedicated green spaces!