title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE BERTEAU BUTTERFLY GARDEN PROJECT
WHEREAS Ruta Lietuvninkas, a resident of Portage Park in Cook County District 12, to promote and maintain natural habitats for monarch butterflies and other important pollinators, cultivated a pollinator garden outside her home in the fall of 2020, thus beginning the Berteau Butterfly Garden Project; and
WHEREAS, with the help of the community, the Berteau Butterfly Garden Project began several “sub-projects.” The Semper Pi Project expanded the butterfly garden to the corner parkways of the neighborhood’s Berteau block. The Milkweed Alley project aimed to cultivate milkweed seeds on weedy patches in two alleys behind the Berteau block residences; and
WHEREAS, the Semper Pi gardens contain approximately 50 native plants per garden, each with its own marker so people may learn its name and what insects it serves. The gardens also feature signs and artwork made by children in the community; and
WHEREAS, the gardens are enjoyed by neighbors and the wider community, with Ms. Lilliam Narvaez hosting show and tell sessions and gardening days to educate children and adults alike on the importance of pollinators. Many neighbors have been inspired to start their own pollinator gardens. Neighbors work together, sharing native plants and watering shifts; and
WHEREAS , the Berteau Butterfly Garden Project has been successful in strengthening not just the neighborhood’s impact on pollinators, but also a sense of community; and
WHEREAS, neighbors in the Berteau community have seen an increase in monarch butterflies, black and eastern tiger swallowtails, and red admirals. A neighbor has seen the endangered Karner blue butterfly; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Lietuvninkas has documented the project at <http://www.lietuvninkas.com/berteau/berteau-butterfly-garden-project/>.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners and President Preckwinkle, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby honor and celebrate the Berteau Butterfly Garden Project and the community for their work to create, foster and protect natural habitats for butterflies and other pollinators.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Ruta Lietuvninkas on behalf of the Berteau Butterfly Garden Project and the Berteau Avenue community.
end