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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING FRIENDS OF BLUFF SPRING FEN FOR 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO PROTECT BLUFF SPRING FEN
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the "Preserves") manages nearly 70,000 acres of public land, including 23 dedicated nature preserve sites that represent some of the highest quality natural lands in the state. The designation of these sites is overseen by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and protects some of the last and best remaining examples of Illinois' wilderness; and
WHEREAS, in 1982 Bluff Spring Fen, a 95-acre site in Elgin, Illinois, was a desolate dumping ground and former gravel quarry until "Friends of the Fen", a visionary and grassroots group founded by Doug Taron, Leon Halloran and Steven Byers, recognized the significance of the site with its rare fen and remarkable landscape, and launched a concerted stewardship effort; and
WHEREAS, Friends of the Fen later became Friends of Bluff Spring Fen, and have worked tirelessly to protect and restore the area, resulting in the site being designated a Nature Preserve in 1987; and
WHEREAS, Friends of Bluff Spring Fen encouraged the Forest Preserves of Cook County to acquire this area in 2006, thus ensuring the site's continued protection; and
WHEREAS, Bluff Spring Fen Nature Preserve is now one of the Preserves' premier locations with more than 400 plant, 60 butterfly, and 30 dragonfly varieties and nearly 100 migratory and nesting bird species, and affords the residents of Cook County the opportunity to explore nature and experience a peaceful and idyllic place; and
WHEREAS, the Preserves deeply values its partnership with the Friends of Bluff Spring Fen who continue to care for the site and collaborate with surrounding neighbors including the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, City of Elgin, Bluff City Cemetery and the Illinois Nature Preserve Commission, and have expanded stewardship efforts from the 95-acre Nature Preserve to an additional 65 acres of buf...
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