The Chicagoland Environmental Network was established with initial support from the Chicago Zoological Society and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to serve as an environmental resource for northeastern Illinois, and it works in synergy with Chicago Wilderness.

The Network Web site plays a vital role in helping people get connected with nature and environmental and natural resource organizations, posting conservation volunteer and job/internship opportunities and providing information on environmental events to the general public.

CEN organizations are involved in important work, including habitat restoration; wetland, prairie, and watershed projects; urban gardening; energy conservation; composting; wildlife conservation; and recycling.