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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REQUESTING A HEARING OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN COMMITTEE FOR A REPORT FROM THE SENIOR STAFF OF THE GARDEN CONCERNING THE OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS OF THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
WHEREAS, in 1962, the Chicago Horticultural Society agreed to help create and manage a new public garden. With the groundbreaking for the Chicago Botanic Garden in 1965 and its opening in 1972, the Society created a permanent site on which to carry out its mission; and
WHEREAS, the Garden has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Within the nine laboratories of the Garden's Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, scientists and graduate students conduct a wide array of plant research. The Garden is one of only 17 public gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. Its Lenhardt Library contains 150,000 volumes-including one of the nation's best collections of rare botanical books; and
WHEREAS, the Garden has 50,000 members - one of the largest memberships of any U.S. botanic garden. People of all ages, interests, and abilities participate in programs, take classes, and stroll the grounds year-round. Annually, one million people visit its 27 gardens and four natural areas that are uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands and six miles of lake shoreline; and
WHEREAS, the Garden today is an example of a successful public-private partnership. It is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and operated by the Chicago Horticultural Society. The Garden is an important and valuable asset of the Cook County Forest Preserve District; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Forest Preserve District annually provides $9 million for the Garden in support of its world-class operations and programs; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby request that a meeting of the Botanic Garden Committee be convened to discuss the operatio...
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