[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 106 (Thursday, June 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING BARBARA WHITNEY CARR ON HER RETIREMENT

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                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2007

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Barbara Whitney Carr, 
the president and CEO of the Chicago Botanic Garden for over a decade.
  Barbara Carr presides over one of America's preeminent public gardens 
located in Glencoe, Illinois. For over a century, the Chicago Botanic 
Garden has been a sanctuary for over 2.2 million plants, including over 
8,000 unique species. The 23 unique gardens spread over 385 acres 
include horticultural displays, natural habitats, and lakes that 
attract more than 750,000 visitors annually. By embracing its mission 
to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of plants and 
the natural world, the Garden has become one of the finest botanic 
displays in the country and one of the 10th District's most stunning 
features.
  Barbara led a 10-year master plan for the garden and launched a 
capital campaign that saw 15,000 donors contribute a total of $148 
million. This drive led to construction and renovation of eight new 
gardens and the restoration of nearly 6 miles of shoreline. She also 
oversaw completion of the Botanic Garden Center, Children's Learning 
Center and the renovation of the 100,000-square foot Regenstein Center.
  Thanks to Barbara's leadership, the garden is now partnered with some 
of the leading academic institutions in Illinois. She created an 
academic affairs program that now offers a master of science in plant 
biology and conservation, a master of landscape architecture and a 
bachelor's degree in horticulture. Barbara spearheaded the effort to 
develop a partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, 
to preserve endangered prairie plant species and has launched a major 
science initiative including collaboration with leading organizations.
  Madam Speaker, Barbara Whitney Carr is a remarkable woman whose 
dedication helped to make the Chicago Botanic Garden one of the finest 
institutions in the country and an essential place of tourism, 
education, and beauty within the 10th District. I wish her all the best 
in her retirement and thank her for her years of service.

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