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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING IRENE FLEBBE, FORMER NATURALIST II AT TRAILSIDE MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY FOR 32 YEARS OF SERVICE
WHEREAS, Irene Flebbe retired from public service to the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) on December 30, 2025, after a distinguished career as a naturalist and in nonformal environmental educator role, including thirty-two (32) years of service to the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Flebbe graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and began her Forest Preserves career as a seasonal employee in December 1995 before moving into full-time naturalist roles; and
WHEREAS, for the past nineteen (19) years and nine (9) months, Mrs. Flebbe served as Naturalist II of the Trailside Museum of Natural History, the oldest nature education facility of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, succeeding previous Museum leadership and contributing to the Museum’s mission of connecting the public with local flora and fauna through education and engagement; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure as a naturalist, Mrs. Flebbe played a leading role in delivering and expanding public nature programs, guided hikes, and community events that brought nature education to visitors of all ages, from school groups to lifelong learners and surrounding suburban communities; and Mrs. Flebbe helped maintain the Museum’s historic Victorian mansion and interpretive exhibits that reflect more than ninety (90) years of the Forest Preserves’ commitment to environmental education; and
WHEREAS, under Mrs. Flebbe’s leadership and naturalist expertise, the Trailside Museum continued to offer hallmark community programming, including seasonal celebrations like the Migrating Monarchs event and volunteer restoration workdays that fostered stewardship of native habitats within the Forest Preserves; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Flebbe consistently represented the Forest Preserves as a public voice for nature education, sharing her expertise with local partners and in community outreach about trails, nature resources, and environmental appreciation throughout Cook County and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the Trailside Museum of Natural History, established in 1931 as the first natural history museum of its kind in the Midwest and housed in a historic Victorian Italianate mansion, remains a beloved educational and cultural resource in River Forest thanks in great part to Mrs. Flebbe’s stewardship and long-tenured service;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President Toni Preckwinkle, along with the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, General Superintendent Adam Bianchi, and on behalf of all citizens of Cook County, do hereby extend heartfelt thanks to Irene Flebbe for her dedication, leadership, and outstanding service and wish her continued success and fulfillment in all her future endeavors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Irene Flebbe in recognition of her significant contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
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