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Jens Jensen Gardens in Evanston

Visionary planner of public parks and gardens

Join us for a morning devoted to the work of famed landscape architect, Jens Jensen. Featured will be a screening of an award winning documentary film and commentary by Jensen scholar, Bob Grese.

Jens Jensen (1860-1951) was a Danish-American landscape architect who dedicated his life to making the modern city livable by championing the preservation of our greatest natural areas and for equal access for all citizens. 

The New York Times called Jensen "the dean of landscape architects." He left his mark on the Midwest and states in the south and east, with over 600 landscapes that he designed in the prairie style, which he originated. His American Garden was a watershed moment in landscape architecture history - it was the first to use all native flowers and it was his first hit with the public. 

His philosophy was entirely democratic - parks and the living green need to be close to all people, regardless of race or income. All citizens deserve the right to be near nature. He felt that nature creates community, a stronger sense of self-reliance, easy access to food, decreased obesity rates and most of all, sanity.

Jensen's legacy is found throughout the Chicago region—from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to the Indiana Dunes National Park. 

The morning will begin with a screening of the award-winning documentary film, Jens Jensen: The Living Green (54 minutes) followed by commentary and remarks from Robert Grese, author of Jens Jensen: Maker of National Parks and Gardens. 

Mr. Grese teaches landscape architecture at the University of Michigan School of Environment and Sustainability, Ann Arbor, and also serves as Director of the Matthaei Botanic Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. His teaching and research involve ecologically based landscape design and management that respects the culture and natural history of a region. Mr. Grese is particularly interested in the restoration and ongoing management of urban wilds and the role such lands can play in reconnecting children and families with nature.

Departing at 1 p.m. will be a free bus tour of three Jensen sites in Evanston, sponsored by local group "Jens Jensen Gardens in Evanston." The bus will depart from the parking area just east of the library. 

Further information can be found on the group Facebook page or by emailing  JensJensenEvanston@gmail.com.

Please register once for just the morning, just the afternoon or the all day event.

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