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File #: 23-0920    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
File created: 9/18/2023 In control: Miscellaneous & New Business
On agenda: 9/21/2023 Final action: 9/21/2023
Title: RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 25th anniversary of Friends of the Forest Preserves

RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

 

Title

RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the 25th anniversary of Friends of the Forest Preserves

Body

 

WHEREAS, on November 30, 1914, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (Forest Preserve District) was established after a referendum for the same was successfully passed during the November 3, 1914 election.  The Forest Preserve District is one of the oldest and largest forest preserve districts in the United States; and

 

WHEREAS, in 1998, after years of maintenance concerns, Friends of the Forest Preserves was created to provide assistance with conservation.  A non-profit organization, Friends of the Forest Preserves is an independent oversight organization that focuses on influencing policy decisions and ensuring that preserved land remains in public trust; and

 

WHEREAS, Friends of the Forest Preserves facilitates rehabilitation work funded through government grants, fundraising, and private donors.  Additionally, Friends of the Forest Preserves coordinates volunteer projects that assist with preservation and restoration of native plant species.  It also provides educational programs which enable concerned citizens to learn more about how they can positively impact the Forest Preserve District; and

 

WHEREAS, the Conservation Corps program, founded by Friends of the Forest Preserves, recruits high school students and adults, predominantly from under-served communities, to participate in the restoration of the Forest Preserve District.  While learning about the environment and conservation, the participants also learn leadership and teamwork skills and financial literacy which helps to prepare them for their future careers; and

 

WHEREAS, this year is the 25th anniversary of Friends of the Forest Preserves.  In honor of this occasion, the organization is hosting a number of events throughout the year.  One event, the 7th Annual Beer in the Woods, will take place on September 30th at the LaBagh Woods in Chicago; and

 

WHEREAS, in 2004, Friends of the Forest Preserves selected its first Executive Director, Benjamin Cox. Mr. Cox is responsible for leading advocacy efforts and policy initiatives, working to attract new resources, and fostering partnerships; and

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the 25th anniversary of Friends of the Forest Preserves; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Friends of the Forest Preserves’ Executive Director Benjamin Cox.

 

Dated: September 21, 2023