The fate of human beings is inherently linked to the healthy functioning of nature and Earth’s natural systems. We rely on nature for our food, water, and energy. The very oxygen we breathe is created and sustained by the ecosystems that surround us. No one understands this better than The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global science-based organization whose driving mission revolves around conservation efforts for people and nature. TNC’s recent appointment of Bill Miller, a Northwestern professor of chemical and biological engineering, to their Illinois Board of Trustees highlights an important development related to the growing partnership between the university and the conservation organization.
“Current and emeritus members of The Nature Conservancy Board of Trustees are really devoted to the work, and I’m proud to now count myself among them,” said Miller, who has been a member of the organization’s Science Advisory Committee since 2016. “I’ve worked closely with many Nature Conservancy scientists over the years and am always highly impressed with their work, knowledge base, and commitment.”
Miller has recently worked with TNC on studying the Indian Boundary Prairies, a 500-acre undeveloped area about 20 miles south of Chicago. The study, part of a partnership between TNC, Argonne National Laboratory, and the Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN), utilizes technology to monitor how the preserve’s prairies can help manage Chicago’s stormwater runoff and alleviate flooding for nearby residents. Miller and Aaron Packman, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern and director of the university’s Center for Water Research, are using sensor nodes to measure everything from soil moisture to rain to water levels.
“The partnership between Northwestern and The Nature Conservancy is a natural fit. Both are science-based, truth-seeking institutions focused on mitigating the effects of climate change and building a path towards a clean energy future,” said Michelle Carr, Director of the Illinois Chapter of TNC. As a member of ISEN’s Executive Council, Carr is firmly committed to strategic cross pollination between the two institutions. Her advisory role at the university is complemented by the recent appointment of Jeff Walk, Director of Conservation for TNC’s Illinois Chapter, as a visiting scholar at ISEN.
“The partnership between Northwestern and The Nature Conservancy is a natural fit. Both are science-based, truth-seeking institutions focused on mitigating the effects of climate change and building a path towards a clean energy future." — Michelle Carr, Director of the Illinois Chapter of TNC
“In joining our Board of Trustees, Professor Miller is bringing his passion for nature and subject-area expertise to the table, but he also brings complex, system thinking about how we can advance,” Carr said. “That’s a big asset and will allow us to look beyond our current collaborative projects.”
As the governing body of TNC’s Illinois Chapter, the Board of Trustees is charged with helping find creative ways to align the regional work with the organization’s stated global priorities: protecting water, acting on climate change, saving oceans, conserving land, and transforming cities.
“No single actor can solve these problems,” said Carr. “Through our Board of Trustees, we’re weaving a tapestry of influence and intellect—leveraging the best scientific insights in order to make the world more sustainable for people and for nature. Our Board is comprised of a diverse group of scientists, public policy experts, environmentalists, philanthropists, and financial analysts who all play an integral role in helping The Nature Conservancy accomplish this mission.”
"There’s tremendous potential when it comes to sharing knowledge and resources between our two institutions." — Prof. Bill Miller, Northwestern Engineering
“I’ve been a card-carrying member of The Nature Conservancy for more than 20 years and have always tried to promote the great work that they’re doing,” Miller said. “As a new trustee, I love the idea of looking for innovative ways that Northwestern faculty and students can provide support for TNC projects. There’s tremendous potential when it comes to sharing knowledge and resources between our two institutions—it’s really mutually beneficial.”