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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING CATHY GERAGHTY, RAQUEL GARCIA-ALVAREZ, XOCHITL LOPEZ, AND THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY’S YOUTH OUTDOOR AMBASSADOR PROGRAM FOR RECEIVING CHICAGO WILDERNESS GEORGE B. RABB FORCE OF NATURE AWARDS
WHEREAS, on January 17, 2024, Cathy Geraghty, Raquel Garcia-Alvarez and Xochitl Lopez, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program were all honored with a Chicago Wilderness George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award during a ceremony held at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, the George B. Rabb Force of Nature Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose conservation, restoration, advocacy or educational activities in the region are inspirational examples for others; and
WHEREAS, Cathy Geraghty, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Forest Preserves, was recognized as one of the region’s most ardent champions of biodiversity, dedicating her professional career and her free time to protecting nature; and
WHEREAS, she has led many successful initiatives, including the Next Century Conservation Plan and the Centennial Campaign Plan and is a founding member of the Chicago Wilderness Alliance, where she has contributed to building an extensive and welcoming network of people who share expertise and resources to improve the environment for people and nature; and
WHEREAS, Raquel Garcia-Alvarez and Xochitl Lopez, volunteer site stewards with the Forest Preserves, were recognized for leading and engaging Latinx communities in conservation at Possum Hollow Woods since 2017; and
WHEREAS, Xochitl and Raquel’s leadership and expertise effectively center Latinx and BIPOC communities, building a culture that includes both Spanish and English speakers, welcoming intergenerational families and creating connections for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves’ Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program was recognized for its efforts to engage young people to serve as “ambassadors” to the Forest Preserves and identify how their peers can become lifelong advocates for nature; and
WHEREAS, the Youth Outdoor Ambassador Program serves as an excellent model for other organizations on how to genuinely engage young people in influencing and improving programming and communication strategies, ensuring that nature thrives and that people of all ages feel connected with their public land agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners thank and congratulate the winners of the Chicago Wilderness George B. Rabb Force of Nature Award and thank them for their commitment to the mission of the Forest Preserves; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the awardees as a token of appreciation for their service to the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the residents of Cook County.end