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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE LIFE OF RETIRED FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF COOK COUNTY CONSERVATION SUPERINTENDENT ROLAND EISENBEIS
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis was born in Ashley, North Dakota in 1918; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis completed a two year program at the North Dakota State School of Forestry at Bottineau; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis served his Country honorably during World War II working intelligence for the Army Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis began his career at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the (“Preserves”) in the Spring of 1947 as a Naturalist and retired as the Conservation Superintendent in the Summer of 1984; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis was involved from the very beginning of establishing the conservation and resource management structure still used today; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis worked diligently on ecological management, including early prairie restoration and spearheaded the shift to conduct active land management so that the Preserves’ important biodiversity would thrive for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis created the modern nature center concept, not to be small “stuffy” museums but gateways to the outdoors; Little Red Schoolhouse opened in 1955, River Trail, Sand Ridge and Crabtree followed by 1971; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure interpretive trails were created as an essential component of the nature center experience; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis initiated naturalist visits to schools and began outdoor education training for teachers at Camp Sagawau (now Sagawau Environmental Learning Center); and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis encouraged in-house training programs and was a key player in the formation of the Association of Interpretive Naturalists, professional organization that has evolved into the national and international National Associate for Interpretation; and
WHEREAS, the Preserves’ volunteer and stewardship program, which became a national model, was the result of Roland Eisenbeis’ encouragement and wise counsel; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis represented the best qualities of citizenship, leadership and humanity through his work at the Preserves spanning more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis expanded the development of the volunteer program through positive leadership approaches resulting in high morale and dedication of the volunteers to the Preserves’ vision; and
WHEREAS, Roland Eisenbeis had a great sense of humor and bright spirit and was responsible for many of the colorful and folksy names of the Preserves, such as “Belly Deep Slough.”; and
WHREAS, Roland Eisenbeis had a deep love of nature and believed in sharing the experiences, benefits and wonders that lie in the Preserves with everyone; and
WHEREAS, the community has a lost a great steward and protector of the Preserves in Roland Eisenbeis. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the loved ones of Roland Eisenbeis as a means of communicating our deep respect for his contribution to the Preserves.
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