GLENCOE, Ill. (July 31, 2006) – At the recent annual meeting of the governing members of the Chicago Horticultural Society, the Chicago Botanic Garden announced the completion of a six-year campaign, which raised over $148 million from more than 15,000 contributors for capital projects, the Garden's endowment, operations and programs. The co-chairs of the campaign, Thomas Donahoe, James Glasser and Mary McCormack, were recognized for their leadership with a commemorative medal.

            Projects made possible by the campaign include the restoration of three miles of Garden shoreline; the creation of Spider Island and the Gardens of the Great Basin, which includes the lighting of the five-acre Evening Island; the opening of the Esplanade, a three-acre entry plaza on the main island; and the construction of the 28-acre, 1.25-mile Garden Wall. Additional projects include the building of the Children's Learning Center, the Administration Building and the renovation of the 100,000-square-foot Education Center, which will be re-opened as the Regenstein Center in the fall of 2006.

            Programs that the campaign started, nourished or strengthened include the School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the research program which studies rare and endangered plants and support for curators, researchers, public programs, internships, fellowships and garden maintenance.

            "The list of projects and programs made possible by this campaign is truly extraordinary," said Barbara Whitney Carr, President and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden.

 "The Campaign for the Chicago Botanic Garden has been truly transformational. During it, we have watched the Garden come of age, as it has become recognized nationally and internationally. At the end of a campaign like this, when you look back, you realize that the Garden is operating at a new level, as an intellectual resource, as a research hub of plant science, as a teacher, leader and partner."

The meeting concluded with Will Hagenah, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Carr presenting Donahoe and Glasser with commemorative bronze medals that were struck in Paris. Mary McCormack was unable to attend. "This medal is presented from time to time to celebrate noteworthy achievement and tonight is certainly an appropriate time to do just that," said Carr.  "Please know that your leadership and generosity of spirit will resonate for decades to come in the good work of this Garden."

            Attendees of the meeting received a copy of the 2005 annual report and a brochure on the completion of the Campaign for the Chicago Botanic Garden.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden’s newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year, except Dec. 25. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $15; free for members. On Tuesdays, senior citizens age 62 and older pay just $7 for parking. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

 The Chicago Botanic Garden is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. Through the Institutes of Plant Conservation and Ornamental Plant Research, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.