It's suddenly like a desert in the South Loop

Inquiring minds want to know why

07/06/2010 5:15 PM

By Bonnie McGrath

2 Comments - Add Your Comment


There was a guy written up in the Red Eye this morning, who is looking for a job as a freelance science consultant for movies and TV. I'd like to hire him for just a few minutes. Maybe he could explain why every year, between July 3 and July 5, the South Loop changes from moist, lush, fragrant and jungle-like to the depths of the Kalahari. We go from South American rain forest to Nevada desert in the blink of an eye. We suffer a brown, dusty, hot wind that burns the inside of the nose.


After July 4, the plants become leggy and seedy and droopy. The color drains from the impatiens and the petunias. It takes a ton of work to water them back to midwest perfection. Last week at this time, my yard was kind of pretty. Naturally. Now it's pretty scary.

What is it about the South Loop (as a microcosm of the whole city, of course) that causes this roller coaster dip into the heart of dryness? Even when it rains the water seems only to soak into the soil cracks and disappear. There's no more mud, no more liquid plump; the air leaching all the water from everywhere.

I need a science whiz. Or else one of those enormous portable watering limos that the privatized companies cart around to water the South Loop flowered medians along the main streets like State, Roosevelt, Indiana, etc. The South Loop needs a good drenching--like it always does right after the 4th. Way more than just a simple (or even a more complex) rain can provide.


2 Comments - Add Your Comment



By charlotte adelman from wilmette
Posted: 07/19/2010 8:55 AM

Here is why: Chicago has what is called a continental climate. Our region is also classified as semi-arid. Native trees, flowers and grasses adapted to semi-aridity by evolving deep moisture seeking roots. Imported lawn and ornamental flowers that have shallow roots need man to provide them with constant watering, or they die.


By Fluffy de Crossharbour from Winnetka
Posted: 07/08/2010 8:02 AM

Ms. B: Naturalement, when they remove shrubbery, flowers, gardens, huge shade trees and parks, of course your drab landscape is going to revert to the Kalahari. One motivation is safety...trees hide danger. All those buildings, tiny urban gardens and a few potted plants are insufficient to maintain an arbor vitae atmosphere in the hot summer. It is never like the Amazon in the South Loop...wishing won't make it come true, Cinderelly!