HR1229 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1229 LRB096 22269 KXB 41178 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On June 5, 2010, the Chicago Botanic Garden will host its third annual celebration of the United Nations World Environment Programme's World Environment Day; and

WHEREAS, Activities throughout the Chicago Botanic Garden will explore how people of all ages can protect the earth through awareness and action; garden scientists, conservationists, and horticulturists will give on-going tours, talks, and demonstrations about a range of topics from sustainable lawn care to the study of native pollinators; and

WHEREAS, A farmers' market stand will offer seasonal produce from the Garden's Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest programs and visitors can recycle their plastic plant containers; there will also be an opportunity to learn about all the offerings of the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden during a special open house; and

WHEREAS, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Debra Shore will offer the keynote presentation and will talk about the complex nature of Chicago's water systems and explore what the 100 year-old reversal of the Chicago River means for the diversion of water and the introduction of invasive species; and

WHEREAS, Woodland ecologist Jim Steffen will lead a tour through the ongoing ecological transformation of the 100-acre McDonald Woods and will talk about aggressive control of invasive plants that has led to a resurgence in native plant communities; and

WHEREAS, Prairie ecologist Joan O'Shaunghnessy will give a tour of the Dixon Prairie, will review the six different types of prairie communities, and talk about "prescribed burns" and their role in preserving native plants and animals; and

WHEREAS, Lake ecologist Bob Kirschner will show visitors how over one-quarter of a million wetland plants have been used to stabilize lakeshores and enhance the aquatic habitat for fish, turtles and frogs. He will also demonstrate how the aquatic plant harvester removes invasive aquatic plants; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Chicago Botanic Garden as they celebrate World Environment Day and thank them for their efforts to promote knowledge about our world and surroundings; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Chicago Botanic Garden as a symbol of our respect and esteem.