In the summer of 1968, Chicago police assaulted anti-vietnam war demonstrators in what was demed a police riot. It was when watching this protest that Stephen G. Packard’s life was transformed and some may say radicalized.
With a new sense of purpose, Packard had a singular goal “to help transform society into something more like what Thomas Jefferson or Thoreau would favor.” Over the next several years, Packard developed his skills, recruited members for his movement, and organized demonstrations and strikes.
Described as “very, very hard working” Packard put his heart and soul into his work and allowed it to consume his every thought. It was explained that “Packard believed that ordinary people could, if encouraged, become experts of sorts on complex questions” and he was an expert.
However, as the antiwar movement came to a close, protesters had to find the next fight and Packard lost much of his identity. Growing up with an intense love for nature and the natural world surrounding him, he decided to fill his empty days with flowers in the Chicago area.
While exploring, Packard stumbled upon Bunker Hill Prairie and took a position as what he explains as “the first worthy job I ever had.” With the goal of fighting pollution and restoring the prairie he once again discovered his passion.
By applying the knowledge gained from his previous work with the antiwar movement, Packard gathered volunteers and began the intensive restoration efforts. The new restoration movement fought against pushback and discouragement and celebrated the early, small victories together.
Page to discuss: 18 – 19, shows don’t tell