Bur Oak and Shagbark Hickory

Concrete and asphalt store heat; cars and air conditioners release heat, adding to the heat island effect.  A healthy urban forest and vegetation in urban areas reduce heat in summer.

Beaver, catfish and arrowhead

Streets, roads and built-up areas in cities create impermeable surfaces, which prevent the natural infiltration of rainwater into the ground.  This results in increased runoff and flooding during heavy rains.  The undeveloped habitats in our forest preserve the natural water cycle.

Strollers, naturalists, artists, skaters

A local nature park like ours helps build social ties and contributes to the health and well-being of citizens.  Studies have shown that contact with nature contributes to better concentration and a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, depression and stress.  The benefits increase with the size of the park space, the size of the trees and visual complexity, all characteristics of Deschênes Park.

452 plants, 271 birds, 57 fish, 17 mammals

A natural park with diverse habitats like Deschênes Park is home to a rich biodiversity, including endangered and threatened species, and thus can play a vital role in biodiversity conservation.  Protection of our green spaces by municipalities and communities maintains habitats that ensure the health of essential species such as bees.