I.A.S, Newsletter, November 1965 
JACKSON PARK LOST ~~ WHICH ONE NEXT? 
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(Editor's Note: In reading this item, realize that late in October, Rockford had 
a request in before the State Park people to take some of Cut Rock Park for a 
super highway extension from Rockford to Roscoe; that DuPage County Forest Preserves 
recently gave up five acres for Route 53; that Morton Arboretum not too long ago 
was really cut in twain by a highway; thet the Redwoods in California are threatened 
by the highway people. And so it goes, the automobile and its needs is rapidly be- 
coming a major threat to beauty amd quality use of areas which have been designated 
for recreation and wildlife use, There are, under the present dispensations of 
highway departments, state and particularly federal, very few places immune to 
invasion. A battle is on now in California to divest the State Highway Department 
of its almost autocratic power (no pun intended) and place this matter of making 
decisions back in the hands of the elected representatives and the sovernor, ) 
Illinois Audubon Society participated in the attempt to save Jackson Park on 
Chicago's south shore from being converted into a 6-lane ‘highway. As you know, the 
conservationists and nature-~lovers lost again, 
The opposition forces list many Solid economic reasons why they must snatch our 
park lands, Their appeals center around the pocketbook ("jobs for thousands"), 
motherhood and life-saving ("hospital has a right to this park") safety ("The new 
highway will save lives of children"), the BIG EXCHANGE ("We'll give you land else- 
where"), the park isn't used("The little-used park with diseased trees"), 
These approaches add up to what Freeman Tilden calls "smoggery" (see pp.31-34 in 
his book, The State Parks - Knopf, 1962). 
I.A.5. and other conservationists can only offer a plea for a patch of grass, 
a tree, a bird, a quiet hour --~ ami the food for the Spirit these can offer, 
Jackson Park is lost -~ with many other parks in Illinois, More are selected 
to fall and we mst gird ourselves for future fights. You can -- 
(1) Look at your local park, Has it become unsightly and little-used? 
It is then a prime target for the developer's axe, Start a move- 
ment for new landscaping and plantings. Don't wait, 
(2) Check into the lull after the first storm. The Opposition, after 
promising "all is well," may really be making the big "land grab" 
when your back is turned, 
(3) Contact other organizations, Anticipate some of the objections to 
your stand so you are on the offensive -- not defensive, Beware of 
"smoggery" -- the "compromise" -- "the trade" -~ "the promise for the 
future." The park will still be lost forever! This is not what our 
forefathers had in mind for our children. I.A.S, may be able to help. 
Let us hear from you. -- Walter L. Vogl, Conservation Committee, 
CONSERVATION EXHIBITS OF 4-H GET ADDED MILES 
ER 
Mary Aldridge, conservation chairman for Audubon Society of Park Ridge, 
reports that she and Mrs, Frank Popelka and Walter Vogl of that club judged the 
many wild bird, conservation and wildlife conservation 4-H exhibits at the Lake 
County Fair, Impressed with the fine work of these young people, she has invited 
these Blue Ribbon winners to show their handiwork at the Society's October 28 
Pot Luck Supper and is encouraging Garden Clubs to have these 4-H'ters show their 
prize winning displays at fall flower shows, She points out that we need these 
young people and to include them in your activities, 
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