River North in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden

Chicago Park District Natural Areas

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025

1. Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden Marker

Inscription. The Jesse White Community Center Nature Garden consists of the several pockets of native plantings located around the outside of the Center. In addition to showcasing a wide variety of native prairie plants, this nature garden features some oak trees. Historically, oaks dominated the woodlands of the Chicago region and they continue to play a critical role in our healthy forest ecosystems today.

Erected by Chicago Park District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 41° 53.802′ N, 87° 38.329′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in River North. It is at the intersection of West Chicago Avenue and Sedgwick Street, on the right when traveling west on West Chicago Avenue. The marker is right (east) of the front entrance to the Jesse White Community Center & Field House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL 60654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

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Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oaks Are Important (a few steps from this marker); Native Plants are Important (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Native Plants are Important (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nari Garden (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Nari Garden (about 500 feet away); Assumption School (approx. ¼ mile away); The Catholic Charities St. Vincent Center (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. An identical sign can be found a short distance west of here, at another walkway into the community center.

Regarding Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden. The

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025

2. Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden Marker

community center and garden are named after politician Jesse White, who served 24 years as Illinois’ Secretary of State. He was also the founder of the Jesse White Tumblers, an acrobatics team for inner-city youth.

Also see . . .
1. Jesse White Nature Garden official site. (Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. The Mighty Oak: Oak Trees of the Chicago Region.

Excerpt: "Before Chicago was established and developed as a city, oak trees were by far the most common type of tree in the area. There are twenty species of oak tree that are native to Illinois, including the white oak, swamp oak, shingle oak, and Chinkapin oak. In 1907, school children voted to make 'native oak' the official state tree of Illinois and in 1973, the white oak became the official state tree."

(Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.