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PROPOSE BOTANICAL GARDEN IN CHICAGOLAND AREA 
A Chicago Botanical Garden which might spread over 250 acres of the islands and 
banks of the Skokie Lagoons is proposed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. The 
garden would have scientific and teaching areas, and plantings to preserve the 
vanishing flora of the prairies. All the sections, brought together in one united 
park area, would give Chicago the kind of a botanical garden it has never had 
before. A bill to authorize action for establishing the garden has been introduced 
in the Illinois General assembly. 
The site favored by the committee and the Forest Preserve District, but subject to 
further studies of flooding, lies along the east side of Edens Pxpressway between 
Tower and South Roads. It is about 30 minutes by auto from downtown Chicago and 
could be served by railroad. Millions of visitors would be expected over a period 
of years. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has attracted more than 50,000 ,000 
visitors. 
A major aim of the Garden is to give home owners the gardeningguidance and 
assistance they necd if the increasingly occupied metropolitan area is to avoid 
blight and ugliness, Another aim would be the establishment of a garden-park "of 
surpassing beauty designed by the best available landscape architect, and a joy 
to every beholder, whether or net he is interested in scientific horticulture." 
A committee of 28 prominent Chicagoans is directing the work for the garden. 
PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED TC GET CONGRESSIONAL ACTION 
ON BILL FOR CREATING YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS 
Dr. George H. wwodruff, of Route #2, Joliet, Ill., advises that HR 5131, a bill 
establishing a Youth Employment Act and the Youth Conservation Corps, has been 
awaiting action in the House Rules Committee for the past eight months. This pro- 
gram warrants your support. Interested citizens are urged to write to their 
respective Congressmen. 
A similar bill, S.1, has been approved by the Senate. This Act will provide 
healthful outdoor work for unemployed males, 16 through 21, in conserving and 
developing natural resources and recreational areas. It will also set up state 
and community employment programs to provide useful work experience for unemployed 
boys and girls of the same ages, in public egencies and private non-profit 
institutions. 
A_ REPORT FROM THE RIDGES SANCTUARY 
At the Ridges Sanctuary at Bailey's Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin, over 736 acres 
have been set aside for the protection of native plants and animals. This is one 
of the largest privately owned sanctuaries in the world. The Ridges was first 
orgenized by a citizens! group in 1937 by interested persons in Door County; 
they now have nation-wide membership. It is said that more orchids and rare 
flowers are found here than in any other place in all Wisconsin. 
In 1964, for the first time, a full-time naturalist will be on duty at the Ridges. 
He will conduct public tours at 10 A.M, and 2 P.M, every day except Monday. Tour 
fee, 50¢ per adult. He will also present en illustrated lecture program on the 
flora and fauna of the Ridges one evening a week at the Town Hall of Bailey's 
Harbor, The annual membership of the Ridges Sanctuary, Inc. is two dollars, 
The group has established the Alex Sladky Memorial Fund to help train teachers at 
Audubon Cemps. , : 


