Friends of the Forest Preserves had a large group in front of President Stroger's office at 9:00AM to protest the development of forest preserve land by the Village of Hinsdale park district, for a soccer field. By the end of the Forest Preserve District’s regular meeting, the commissioners agreed to discuss this development at some other time.
The meeting opened recognizing the grand opening of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center. This 38,000 sq. ft. laboratory and research facility that houses the first-ever doctoral program that focuses solely on plant biology and conservation. This program is in partnership with Northwestern University.
The 16,000 sq. ft. green roof is open to the public, as is a visitor gallery in the center of the building.
Congratulations were given to Sophia Siskel, President and COO of the Botanic Gardens, and her staff.
Alice Brandon, Conservation Director of the Friends of the Forest Preserve, introduced several interns of the Urban Restoration and Prescribed Fire Internships. The intern opportunities are made possible by the combined efforts of the Forest Preserve District, the Student Conservation Association, and the support of the U. S. Forest Service.
--Submitted by Observer Mary Ann Tate
