2022 Class of Fellows, Heidi Natura, Illinois Chapter

Living Habitats, Chicago, Illinois
by Staff

Illinois Chapter Category: Works

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Illinois Chapter Category: Works

Heidi Natura's vision and commitment to improving the environment have expanded what it means to practice landscape architecture. Heidi's "Root Systems of Prairie Plants" diagram is part of her ongoing effort to promote systems thinking and to share the wonders that lie beneath the prairie's surface. As showcased across many projects, the implementation of ecosystem strategies in her work has stood the test of time while it has inspired and educated private and public landowners to apply her design principles across urban, rural, and natural settings. Among her many projects are: a Shoreline Restoration Master Plan for addressing erosion in the eight lakes at the Chicago Botanic Gardens; restoring a former agricultural site to its natural state at Bobolink Meadow Land and Water Reserve; and, on a 10,000 square foot green roof for the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center, creating three distinct designs united by an artistry that recognizes the Arkansas River's dominance and the strong context of the building's architecture, while also serving a vital stormwater retention function.