[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN ON SETTING A NEW ATTENDANCE 
                                 RECORD

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                       HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago 
Botanic Garden on setting a new monthly attendance record. In July, the 
Garden attracted 159,361 people, shattering the previous record by 
nearly 10,000 visitors. This marks the third consecutive month with 
more than 100,000 visitors--a streak equaled only twice before.
   Since opening its gates 41 years ago, the Botanic Garden has brought 
joy to hundreds of thousands of people each year. With its fabulously 
varied grounds, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a natural refuge from the 
urban environment just outside its walls.
   The record-breaking attendance figures are a testament to the 
Botanic Garden's sustained excellence and prominent position in the 
community as one of the region's most popular tourist and cultural 
destinations.
   I have visited the Botanic Garden many times with my own family, as 
have countless other families in our community. Visitors appreciate its 
beauty, are enriched by its research, and create treasured memories 
year round.
   In its mission to further our understanding of nature and our 
environment, the Chicago Botanic Garden educates its visitors and the 
community on the critical importance of conservation efforts. The 
Botanic Garden has grown our understanding of and appreciation for 
nature's simple beauty.
   Spread across 385 acres, the Botanic Garden features thousands of 
plant species and hosts more than 100,000 volumes in its library. The 
Garden offers an abundance of activities for the entire community.
   This achievement demonstrates that people with access to inspired 
institutions like the Chicago Botanic Garden live happier, healthier 
lives. I congratulate the Garden, and all those who make it a 
distinctive paragon of the Tenth District. I am grateful it is part of 
the Tenth District.

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