Transforming Urban Rivers
A presentation by Nick Wesley, director and co-founder of Urban Rivers (Chicago) about the ecological restoration of urban waterways and their flagship project The Wild Mile. Taking place on Wednesday 11 November, 20:00 – 21:30 (doors open at 19:30). Tickets available for 5 Euro here
Tickets available for 5 Euro
We’re happy to announce that on 11 November, we’ll welcome Nick Wesley to the Independent School for the City to talk about Urban Rivers and their flagship project, The Wild Mile, in Chicago, USA.
Urban Rivers is a non-profit organisation that works on the ecological restoration of urban waterways, exploring how ecological habitats can be reintroduced within existing urban and industrial conditions. One of their main approaches is the development of floating gardens: modular structures planted with native wetland species that can be installed directly in the river. These gardens provide habitat for plants, fish, birds and other wildlife, while also creating new ways for people to experience and access the river.
The organisation’s flagship project, the Wild Mile, is an example of this approach. Located along the Chicago River, it combines floating wetlands with boardwalks and public space, creating an urban landscape where ecological restoration and public access are developed together.
In this lecture, Nick Wesley will discuss the work of Urban Rivers and the development of the Wild Mile, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of restoring ecological systems within highly urbanised waterways. The presentation will also explore what it means to introduce nature into places where existing infrastructure was not designed to accommodate it, and how urban rivers can become spaces shared by human and non-human life.
Some great inspiration for Rotterdam, and a project that fits perfectly with our programme, Harbours Are for Swimming!
Programme
19:30 - 20:00 Doors open
20:00 - 21:30 Presentation by Nick Wesley + Q&A
21:30 - 22:30 Drinks and aftertalk
About Nick Wesley
Graduated with a BBA in Entrepreneurship from Wilkes University and worked on aeroponic systems and spearheaded mushroom plant research at 'The Plant' by building a commercial pasteurizing system for producing mushrooms. Nick has also spearheaded the design and construction of the Wild Mile as well as worked with various agencies to push forward the vision of a wildlife first floating eco park. Nick’s an avid tinkerer and always building something new. He recently spearheaded a successful Kickstarter under Urban Rivers, the Trash Bot project.