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“ E n g ag in g in
Engaging in
a w o r k s h o p h e l p s
a workshop helps
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them understand
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t h e i r c on n e c t i on s
their connections
”
with nature...

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Andre Copeland
”
P a r t n e r s h i ps t h a t L a s t
Partnerships that Last
Brookfield Zoo’s collaboration with libraries has a long history. “The Brookfield community has always loved the library’s
“Libraries are an important part of the fabric of any community,” partnership with the zoo and the different activities, initiatives,
said Kimberly Coughran, director of the Linda Sokol Francis classes, and events we have hosted thanks to the zoo,” said
Brookfield Library. “We are good partners for assisting in Coughran. “We’ve done everything from gym-shoe gardens
spreading messages about the importance of conservation.” to a BioBlitz involving nature apps on the phone and walks
Brookfield Zoo’s formal collaboration with the Brookfield around the community.”
and Riverside libraries dates backed to the Language of Conserva- The pollinator garden across the street from the Linda Sokol
tion initiative in 2008. This initiative involved Poets House, Francis Brookfield Library was one of the first in the Communi-
a national literary center and poetry library headquartered ties & Nature program. Residing in the garden is a statue of
in New York City, and a consortium of five zoos and libraries the library’s mascot, “Woolly Bully,” a North American bison
in Chicago, New Orleans, Little Rock, Jacksonville, and that symbolizes the partnership between the Brookfield Library
Milwaukee. Brookfield Zoo was selected and partnered and the Chicago Zoological Society in creating a pollinator
with the Brookfield Library. garden dedicated to conservation, education, and community.
Researchers had found that people who encountered poetry The signage was written and designed by Brookfield Zoo staff.
during their zoo-going experience reported an improved under- “Year after year, we see communities getting more involved
standing of the importance of conservation and their role in it. in taking action on behalf of the environment,” said Copeland.
Inspirational verses were installed in Brookfield Zoo’s GREAT “We wholeheartedly believe that conservation can’t happen
BEAR WILDERNESS exhibit to inspire visitors to connect without people. By engaging our communities and people
with wildlife in our park and to work to protect animals. with wildlife and nature, we believe we will inspire conservation
Some verses are still exhibited at GREAT BEAR WILDERNESS leadership.”
and the Riverside Public Library. This program is made possible by the Women’s Board
of the Chicago Zoological Society.

24 GATEWAYS | COMMUNITIES & NATURE