GROVE OF QUAKING ASPEN TREES AT GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY HONOR MICHAEL SCOTT’S LEGACY

    Friends of the Parks and friends of Michael Scott united to plant a grove of 25 quaking aspen trees on the grounds of the Garfield Park Conservatory that he loved so much and was responsible for restoring. The grove is on the western edge of the Conservatory grounds.
    Michael Scott, who died last November, served as a Commissioner on the Chicago Park District Board and became its President. Under his leadership, the parks were decentralized, and neglected parks in minority communities were restored, revitalized, and expanded. He ensured that historic facilities and landscapes were preserved and expanded, such as Austin Town Hall and Columbus Park.
    He paved the way for creation of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance and served as its President for four years. He spearheaded the restoration of the Conservatory, which has become a jewel of the West Side and a leader in environmental and civic affairs.
    Erma Tranter, President of Friends of the Parks, proposed the honor for Michael Scott. She noted that everyone considers themselves to be Michael Scott’s best friends because of his personality.
    Selection of quaking aspens seems ironically fitting as the type of tree to honor Michael Scott. Even on the stillest days when there is no breeze, leaves of aspens are in constant motion, whispering and shimmering in silver and green. This was the character of Michael Scott – in constant motion, working to keep people talking together.