As part of an EPA study and initiative to combat the urban heat island effect and to improve urban air quality, Mayor Richard M. Daley and the City of Chicago began construction of a 38,800 square foot (total roof area) semi-extensive greenroof in April 2000.

To eradicate the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), in 1999, USDA and USFS developed a 10-year plan in 1999 that follows five stages: phase-in, delimitation, and containment; suppression and control; deregulation; and eradication. All infested trees were either removed and replaced by non-ALB host trees on a one-to-one basis or treated with the insecticide Imidacloprid via trunk or soil injection.

After a 1995 extreme heat event that led to the deaths of several hundred residents, Chicago, Illinois conducted a heat vulnerability assessment. This assessment led to the creation of the Chicago Climate Change Action Plan, which first aimed to address extreme heat events. This led to mitigation efforts such as green roofs and cool pavements. 

The Nature Conservancy aimed to restore 7,100 acres of farmland in Emiquon into a functional floodplain that sustains native species. In 2007, 180,000 trees, 8,000 pounds of seed, and 90,000 upland shrubs and trees have been planted in 1,400 acres of Emiquon. Non-native fish have been removed and native fish have been introduced into these new waters.

The Nature Conservancy led the project to restore 7,100 acres of farmland to functional flood plain and return its ability to sustain native plant and wildlife species. In 2007, 180,000 trees, 8,000 pounds of seed, and 90,000 upland shrubs and trees have been planted in 1,400 acres of Emiquon.

The north branch of the Chicago River that runs through Eugene Field Park has been channelized and relocated, and had its riverbed paved with concrete. This led to increased flooding, marsh habitat loss, and vegetation loss. This project restored the wetlands and planted native vegetation. 

The Fort Sheridan Restoration Project restored 84 hectares of ravines, riparian woodlands, coastal bluff, beach, dunes, and lacustrine habitat along the coast of Lake Michigan. This project aimed to connect coastal habitats, restore native plant communities, and increase resilience along the coast. 

Faced with the decline of urban trees, concerned group formed an initiative to enhance urban tree that help reduce the impact from urban heat, heavy rainfall, and local flooding. Partnering with expert from U.S. Forest Service, the group assessed vulnerability of over 150 tree species in the region and implemented a project to protect native trees from pests and climate change.

Horner Park is a 14-acre restoration area along the north branch of the Chicago River. This is a part of a larger goal to reconnect sustainable habitat along the Chicago River. Hydrogeomorphology, native plant communities, and riparian buffers were restored at this site. 

Jackson Park, along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago, Illinois is a historic park and valuable green space for the city. The park was overrun with invasive species and degraded from poor geomorphology. This project restored 16 hectares of habitat while preserving and rehabilitating the cultural history of Jackson Park. 

The Illinois Coastal Management Program and Navy Pier, Inc collaborated to redevelop Chicago’s Navy Pier with green infrastructure projects. These projects aimed to reduce runoff, flooding, and pollution. The project planted trees in planters designed specifically for this project to retain and filter stormwater, or redirect it for future use.

Northerly Island on Lake Michigan was used as a private airport until 2003, and sat unused and contributing no ecological or public benefits until 2012, when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a restoration project. This project would restore 16 hectares into 6 habitats native to the Chicago area. 

The MWRD is working with the village of Robbins to help reduce flooding, restore Midlothian Creek, and create recreational and economic development opportunities to strengthen and revitalize the community. The Robbins Heritage Park and Midlothian Creek Restoration Project helps address overbank flooding through a new stormwater park and pond, along with improvements to Midlothian Creek and an overflow channel.

The Wild Mile restored a mile-long stretch of the Chicago River on the urbanized North Branch Canal in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The Wild Mile is floating ecopark - an innovative solution to enhance ecology along concrete-channelized river in a heavily industrialized area.