Last Friday, after many zoo-goers got to spot the adorable lion family at Lincoln Park Zoo, they also were able to visit Environment Illinois staff at a nearby table to learn about how to protect America’s wildlife. In addition to learning about native Illinois wildlife, visitors to the table were able to take action to support Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Adults sent messages to their members of Congress while kids made paper endangered turtles and did coloring pages to show their U.S. Senators why they care about protecting animals.
We should protect wildlife because they keep Earth healthyElijah, age 7
Those who stopped by the table shared different reasons why they think it is important to protect wildlife, from “I love animals” to “wildlife is magic taken for granted,” it was clear that we all agree on the importance of protecting species biodiversity.
The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is a bold vision for funding wildlife conservation and could be a game-changer for America’s wildlife. If passed, the bill would allow the states, territories, and tribes to invest up to $1.4 billion annually in efforts to help at-risk species by restoring habitat, controlling invasive species, reconnecting landscapes, addressing emerging diseases, and more.
If we want Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to be passed to protect not only wildlife here in Illinois, but across the nation, we need everyone’s help.
Emily manages the marketing and public engagement strategy for Environment Illinois's campaigns, including our campaign to protect the Great Lakes from plastic pollution. Emily lives in Chicago where she enjoys knitting and biking.