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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING THE NAMING OF THREE (3) FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY NATURE CENTERS TO AMERICANTOWNS MEDIA'S LIST OF THE 10 BEST NATURE CENTERS IN ILLINOIS
WHEREAS, Best of Illinois, a subsidiary of AmericanTowns Media, has compiled and published a list of "The 10 Best Nature Centers in Illinois"; and
WHEREAS, AmericanTowns Media is an online network of local lifestyle community guides that creates, curates, and distributes local content for over 29,000 communities across the United States; and
WHEREAS, nature centers are a valuable means of educating the public on the importance of preserving and respecting local natural areas, and encourage exploration and lifelong learning about our region's native habitats and wildlife; and
WHEREAS, Sand Ridge Nature Center, Crabtree Nature Center, and Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center have each been named to this list of the ten (10) best nature centers in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland stands on a 6000-year-old broad, low ridge of sand and water polished pebbles surrounded by 235 acres of woodlands, oak savannas and wetlands. The center features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Calumet region, and offers a number of special events annually, including Illinois Archaeology Day and Settlers' Day; and
WHEREAS, Crabtree Nature Center in Barrington Hills features 1,182 acres of woodlands, prairies, and wetlands which were shaped by glaciers and provide an important rest stop for migratory birds, attracting a wide variety of users and birding enthusiasts. Over 260 species have been recorded using these habitats, with at least 89 species breeding onsite; and
WHEREAS, Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs offers a glimpse into the historic past of the Palos Hills of southwestern Cook County. The center's grounds include attractions such as an orchard planted by early settlers in 1906, and an 1886 schoolhouse from which the cent...
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