For over 52 years, Trailside Museum’s director Virginia Moe dedicated her life to the people and wildlife of Cook County. “Miss Moe” as she was known to the community, started the very first wildlife rehabilitation and education center in the midwest at Trailside. Known for teaching children the importance of caring for wildlife, Virginia Moe helped  thousands of children , many that were considered “at-risk “ learn to care for the wildlife we share this planet with. Many of those children went on to be caring adults serving their communities . Most of the wild animals brought in to Trailside had injuries caused by poisons, window collisions, getting hit by cars, cat or dog attacks, etc . Virginia Moe would doctor them, rehabilitate them and release them back to the wild. It was during these moments when children learned compassion and valuable lessons. What prompted someone to bring this animal to Trailside  in the first place? What caused this animal to be injured? Was there something we could have done to prevent it? I believe Virginia Moe, in her compassion for all living creatures, inspired compassion in humans. Trailside should not be named after a politician . It should be named after The woman that dedicated her life to the community.