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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM IN ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is a world-renowned aquarium, research and conservation institution, and Chicagoland destination that partners and collaborates with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, this partnership and collaboration reflects a commitment to improving the health of our local waters, our native flora and fauna and a recognition of the importance of actively engaging Cook County residents; and
WHEREAS, since 2010, Shedd Aquarium has partnered with the Forest Preserves to engage hundreds of local teens to learn and care about the Forest Preserves via stewardship and litter clean-up activities; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, the Shedd Aquarium partnership expanded with the creation of the “Amphibians” exhibit; where global and local amphibians and the Forest Preserves were highlighted, raising the profile of these important assets to Shedd visitors; and
WHEREAS, Shedd Aquarium created “Bringing Light to Amphibians”, a 5-minute video that celebrates local amphibians and the importance to steward and protect their habitats; the video has been viewed by audiences around the region; and
WHEREAS, Shedd Aquarium, as part of their “Great Lakes Action Days” initiative, has adopted three Forest Preserves’ sites intersecting three waterways: McClaughrey Springs Woods and Mill Creek Stream; Somme Woods and the North Branch of the Chicago River; and Bob Mann Woods and Salt Creek Stream; and
WHEREAS, Shedd Aquarium has made a significant effort and organizational investment to engage communities in stewardship along our local waterways by hosting stewardship volunteer days and engaging thousands of volunteers, who are contributing thousands of volunteer hours to the Forest Preserves on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, Shedd Aquarium engages the public in stewardship practices including invasive species removal, seed collection and community science activities such as water quality monitoring and amphibian monitoring, which encourages learning and caring about our local natural resources; and
WHEREAS, Shedd Aquarium shares the Forest Preserves’ commitment to protect the integrity of the natural environment and wildlife from litter and pollution, and its “Shedd the Straw” campaign is a commendable effort to encourage businesses and government entities to commit to provide biodegradable straws upon request, discontinue use of plastic straws, and to promote sustainable benefits of reducing single-use plastic pollution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Toni Preckwinkle, President, and the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County thank and congratulate the trustees, staff, and supporters of the John G. Shedd Aquarium for their commitment to the mission of the Forest Preserves and the natural treasures of the region.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be presented to the Shedd Aquarium as a token of appreciation for its service to the Forest Preserves and residents of Cook County.
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