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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners is pleased to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Chicago Botanic Garden and its vital partnership with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Botanic Garden grew from a dream before it opened in 1972 by the Chicago Horticultural Society, which presented annual flower shows, displayed at the World's Columbian Exposition and was an active part of World War II's Victory Garden movement; and
WHEREAS, over time, ambitions grew through the dedication and creativity of many to bring a botanic garden to Chicago; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Botanic Garden opened its doors in the spring of 1972; there was a small greenhouse and just one garden area open to the public and only about 30 staff. Hard work and creativity fueled the early years, and it wasn't all roses as the founders and staff turned machine-sculpted ground into the 28 designed and 4 natural areas enjoyed today; and
WHEREAS, during the second decade, the Chicago Botanic Garden grew rapidly developing 14 garden areas in quick succession. The Chicago Botanic Garden focused on community, developing relationships with visitors through new public programs such as plant society shows, festivals, and concerts; and
WHEREAS, starting in 1992, the Garden was still growing and added a new priority: plant conservation. The Chicago Botanic Garden launched a science program with a single lab and housed our seed bank, boasting only seven species, in a Sears chest freezer located in a closet. Today, the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action has international recognition and involves nearly 100 staff and graduate students. In 2001, the Chicago Botanic Garden joined forces with seven partners to form Seeds of Success, a national seed banking project. This collection holds almost 2,000 species of endangered plants and na...
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