Lincoln Park Zoo's transformation of the South Pond into Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is nearly complete. The old, crumbling concrete-and-steel walkway that lined the pond has been removed, enabling the construction of natural shorelines and the new, namesake boardwalk. The pond's island has been re-engineered to provide a welcoming home for migratory birds, including the endangered black-crowned night herons that nest there. The foundation has been laid for the Peoples Gas Education Pavilion, and the pond's Lester E. Fisher Bridge is being restored.

Neither freezing temperatures nor  wintry snow blasts kept dedicated workers from pursuing their mission of transforming the South Pond in Lincoln Park into a magnificent boardwalk of nature. Through their persistent efforts, an amazing new urban ecosystem will be ready this summer for all to behold.

The new Nature Boardwalk will provide a haven for native birds, frogs, fish and insects while serving as an outdoor classroom for students of all ages. Visitors will enjoy close views of pond life beneath the shadows of Chicago's skyscrapers. Get ready to plunge into a new urban ecosystem-beginning summer 2010.