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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY AND THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN FOR RECEIVING MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR THE SEED AMPLIFICATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, in 2026 the Forest Preserves of Cook County (Forest Preserves) and the Chicago Botanic Garden received three national awards and one state award recognizing the success and innovation of the Seed Amplification Program; and
WHEREAS, the Seed Amplification Program received an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties in the County Resiliency: Infrastructure, Energy, and Sustainability category, recognizing county governments that advance their energy goals, environmental stewardship, and critical infrastructure through new technologies and innovations; and
WHEREAS, the Seed Amplification Program received a Conservation Award from the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials Award, recognizing an exceptional effort to restore and preserve natural and significant conservation areas, as well as for its work to create public awareness and appreciation for conservation efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Seed Amplification Program also received the Innovation in Conservation Award from the National Recreation and Park Association, recognizing innovative approaches that advance conservation, environmental stewardship, and the protection of natural resources through parks and recreation; and
WHERAS, the Seed Amplification Program received a Best of the Best Award from the Illinois Association of Park Districts in Green Practices recognizing a park district, forest preserve, conservation, recreation or special recreation agency that has taken the initiative to incorporate and encourage environmentally-friendly business practices and policies; and
WHEREAS, the Seed Amplification Program is a collaborative partnership between the Forest Preserves and the Chicago Botanic Garden established to increase the availability of locally sourced native seed needed to restore and sustain healthy natural areas throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, the program is also supported by Conservation Corps members, a hands-on job training program, as well as by volunteers who have long championed this initiative and who help to cultivate and care for seed beds and wild seed gardens, help to conduct greenhouse propagation and wild seed collection, and long-term seed banking; and
WHEREAS, since its launch in 2022, the Seed Amplification Program has planted more than 38,500 native plugs, increased seed production from 29 pounds in 2023 to 315 pounds in 2025, and by 2030, is expected to eventually produce 2,000 pounds of native seed annually; and
WHEREAS, the Seed Amplification Program is helping ensure that the Forest Preserves has the native seed needed to restore prairies, woodlands, and wetlands well into the future and is increasing biodiversity, strengthening restoration efforts, and creating healthier landscapes for both wildlife and people; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County congratulate the Forest Preserves of Cook County, the Chicago Botanic Garden whose dedication and collaboration have made the Seed Amplification Program a nationally recognized model for conservation innovation.
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