Carlson Cottage Restoration
- Historic Carlson Cottage (built in 1888) designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee, is an example of Victorian-era design and represents an important period of public buildings and civic amenities in Chicago. It further highlights Lincoln Park as one of the nation’s oldest and most prominent parks that welcomes millions of visitors come every year. It was beautifully restored and re-opened in April 2008 due to support from the Tawani Foundation in 2006. This building serves as home for the zoo’s volunteer-gardening corps of more than 100 members who oversee the maintenance and care of the zoo's gardens.
- South Pond, a destination for generations of visitors, is being transformed into the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. This unique urban environmental education project, funded with a generous grant from the Tawani Foundation in 2008, showcases Lincoln Park Zoo’s mission to protect and preserve native wildlife and their habitats. This revitalized landscape will provide a haven for native birds, frogs, fish and insects while serving as an outdoor classroom for students of all ages. The creation of the Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo represents an entirely new undertaking. Instead of constructing a building to house wildlife, the zoo is creating a fresh, natural ecosystem. Acres of native vegetation will cleanse waters and provide shelter for tadpoles and dragonflies. A deepened pond will provide a refuge for native fish and turtles during cold Chicago winters. An expansive interactive boardwalk will provide close views of local wildlife. Lincoln Park Zoo is proud to partner with the Tawani Foundation on this dynamic project that will serve hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
The Tawani Foundation is a wonderful donor and friend to Lincoln Park Zoo. The Foundation has a true commitment to the work we do to reach every visitor who comes through our gates. What is most commendable about the Foundation is their range of support from basic operating grants, to enhancing the zoo's grounds by renovating historic Carlson Cottage, and restoring a natural ecosystem such as South Pond. The Tawani Foundation trusts that the institution has identified its priorities and is willing to support the areas of most need.
