HR1285 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1285 LRB096 22388 GRL 41537 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate the administration and staff of the Lincoln Park Zoo on the occasion of the opening of the zoo's Nature Boardwalk and thank them for their work in their community; and

WHEREAS, The Lincoln Park Zoo created the Nature Boardwalk from a dilapidated man-made pond in order to create a model urban ecosystem that will serve as an oasis both for native wildlife and for people that visit the pond; and

WHEREAS, The Nature Boardwalk will provide shelter to native fish, provide shade, food, and habitat for local wildlife through 100 newly-planted trees and acres of prairie and wetland grasses and plants, and give the public maximum access to the serene environment through an estimated half-mile of boardwalk that surrounds the entire body of water; approximately 20 painted turtles will be carefully introduced to Nature Boardwalk in 2010 and surveillance programs for the black crowned night heron and other species will be introduced; the zoo will also conduct fish and wildlife surveys at the boardwalk; and

WHEREAS, The Nature Boardwalk will also host a number of activities for its visitors, including daily tours and talks, numerous hands-on opportunities to learn and interact with the surroundings, and new adult and family-oriented special programs, such as yoga classes and a family overnight camping program; and

WHEREAS, The administration and staff of the Lincoln Park Zoo serve as models of hard work, integrity, and dedication for the people of the State of Illinois and have created a new standard for conservation efforts in the State of Illinois and the world at large; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the administration and staff of the Lincoln Park Zoo on the occasion of the opening of the zoo's Nature Boardwalk, thank them for the wonderful work they have performed in their community, and wish them continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Lincoln Park Zoo as a symbol of our esteem and respect.