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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GERALD W. ADELMANN TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY AND CONGRATULATING HIM ON HIS RETIREMENT
WHEREAS, as President and CEO of Openlands, Gerald (Jerry) W. Adelmann has dedicated his career to advancing the mission of protecting natural and open spaces to ensure cleaner air and water, safeguard natural habitats and wildlife, and help balance and enrich the lives of the people in our region; and
WHEREAS, Jerry joined Openlands in 1980 to coordinate a special program that led to the creation of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, the first federal land designation of its kind, and today, there are 62 National Heritage Areas based on this model throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, Jerry’s influence inspired the creation of Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, in Wilmington, Illinois and the protection of the rare and scenic landscape at the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve located at Fort Sheridan in Highwood, Illinois. These initiatives, along with many other conservation accomplishments have earned him numerous honors and awards; and
WHEREAS, Openlands is a founding member of Chicago Wilderness and Jerry has worked with the Forest Preserves through this regional alliance to improve the quality of life of the individuals and the many other species living in both Cook County and throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, Jerry is a firm believer in the Forest Preserves mission that everyone should have access to nature, which he has demonstrated through the many programs Openlands administers, including promoting outdoor recreation opportunities, increasing and improving Chicagoland’s tree canopy and providing environmental education opportunities to schools; and
WHEREAS, Jerry, through his leadership at Openlands, has advocated tirelessly for nature by leading campaigns to ensure locally, regionally and nationally elected officials continue to support, protect and provide access to nature; and
WHEREAS, Jerry worked with the Forest Preserves of Cook County and helped lead the effort to develop the Next Century Conservation Plan-an ambitious vision created by civic leaders, conservation advocates, and Forest Preserves staff that guides the Forest Preserves’ efforts to ensure nature thrives for the next 100-years; and
WHEREAS, upon adoption of the Next Century Conservation Plan by the Board of Commissioners on February 18, 2014, Jerry continued to share his knowledge, insight, expertise, and provided Openlands’ staff support to operationalize the Next Century Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, Jerry is a committed advocate dedicated to protecting nature, he raised funds and helped build a coalition of non-profit groups and individuals to promote and ultimately pass the Forest Preserves’ historic 2022 tax referendum, contributing to the Forest Preserves’ long-term sustainability for people and nature.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle along with the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, General Superintendent Arnold L. Randall, and on behalf of all residents of Cook County, do hereby extend appreciation to Mr. Gerald W. Adelmann for his dedication and leadership in conserving natural and cultural spaces, and wish him all the best in his retirement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Jerry in recognition of his significant contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
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