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91_HR0660
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1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, The Village of Markham, which calls itself the
3 "Prairie Capital of the Prairie State," recognizes the value
4 and significance of the unique natural treasure within its
5 borders in the form of the Indian Boundary Prairies; while
6 open space is becoming increasingly rare in northeastern
7 Illinois, residents of Markham are able to enjoy the nearly
8 300 acres that make up this globally significant natural
9 area; the prairies provide a green oasis with the city for
10 people seeking a quiet place to visit, relax, and learn about
11 Illinois' natural history; and
12 WHEREAS, This site is an ideal example of conservation in
13 an urban setting; the Nature Conservancy's Mighty Acorns
14 Program is active at several local schools, including Markham
15 Park Elementary, which carry out stewardship activities in
16 the prairies; the program encourages 3rd through 7th grade
17 students and their teachers to learn about nature and natural
18 areas in the region through environmental education in the
19 classroom and "hands-on" stewardship activities during field
20 trips to the prairies; and
21 WHEREAS, The Indian Boundary Prairies boast an
22 exceptional array of biological diversity; the Indian
23 Boundary Prairies are the last substantial, high quality
24 tallgrass prairie in the Chicago region, with more than 250
25 species of plants that thrive there providing habitat for
26 countless birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects; and
27 WHEREAS, Because of their rare species and diversity, the
28 four sites that make up Indian Boundary Prairies
29 (Gensburg-Markham, Sundrop, Paintbrush, and Dropseed) make
30 this area a high priority for conservation; Gensburg-Markham
31 Prairie is designated a National Natural Landmark; Chicago
32 Wilderness, a federation of over ninety organizations,
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1 designated Indian Boundary Prairies as one of the "Twelve
2 Natural Wonders" in the Chicago region; and
3 WHEREAS, In addition to The Nature Conservancy, an
4 international conservation organization, other entities such
5 as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the U.S.
6 Army Corp of Engineers, the Illinois Nature Preserves
7 Commission, and Northeastern Illinois University have
8 recognized the exemplary nature of the area; and
9 WHEREAS, A local volunteer group, the Friends of the
10 Indian Boundary Prairies, helps to care for the prairies and
11 conducts tours and other educational activities for the
12 general public; however, there is a need to reach out to the
13 local community further; the 30th anniversary of Earth Day,
14 which takes place on Saturday April 22, 2000, is an ideal
15 event to offer local residents an opportunity to explore
16 these natural habitats first hand; therefore, be it
17 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
18 NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
19 we recognize the value and significance of these rare natural
20 areas within the State and understands the need to support
21 them for the benefit of future generations and the people of
22 the State of Illinois; and be it further
23 RESOLVED, That we support the education of the youth of
24 the Village through Mighty Acorns and other natural resource
25 programs that teach these future decision makers the
26 importance of providing high quality of life experiences for
27 the citizens of the Village of Markham and the State of
28 Illinois; and be it further
29 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
30 presented to the Village of Markham in recognition of the
31 April 22, 2000, Earth Day celebration.