DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/21/2023 01:40 PM CDT

March 2023                                                                                                                                    View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County Names Water Quality Grant Recipients

Water Quality Improvement Program Grant Story Map

[Link] Water Quality Improvement Program Grant Story Map

The DuPage County Stormwater Management (SWM) Planning Committee voted on the 2023 recipients of the County’s Water Quality Improvement Program grant in early March. In its 24th year, the Water Quality Improvement Program grant awards up to 25 percent of funding for projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit. DuPage County received nine applications this year for projects totaling more than $3.5 million. The Stormwater Committee awarded more than $364,000 to nine projects countywide, all of which aim to improve the quality of local streams and rivers.

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Flood Safety Preparedness Week

Flood Operations Tabletop Exercise

Stormwater Committee Chairman Jim Zay kicks off a Flood Operations Tabletop Exercise to prepare staff for various flooding scenarios within the County.

Flood Safety Preparedness Week was March 6-10. The annual event is great opportunity to learn about flood risk and take action to prepare your home and family. SWM staff participated in a Flood Operations Tabletop Exercise to prepare for various flooding scenarios within the County. Did you know SWM operates 17 flood control facilities? The SWM website provides access to real-time water resource data collected throughout the county, including 17 flood control facilities, 22 rain gages, 25 stream gages, and 14 monitoring cameras.

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Partners for Conservation Cost-Share Programs

Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical assistance and cost-shares to help landowners looking to install conservation BMPs. Practices eligible for funding include: Rain Gardens, Pollinator Habitats, Well-Sealing, Constructed Wetlands, and more. The application deadline is April 15, 2023.

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Around Town

SCARCE Logo

Sponsored by SWM, SCARCE hosted an "Attainable Sustainables" class for DuPage County teachers in early March. The workshop exposed teachers to the dynamic world of water management in DuPage. Throughout the day, teachers witnessed STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in action through visits to the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility and DuPage County Water Commission, as well as hands-on training with SCARCE staff. 

Quarry Tour

SWM staff and participants on a tour of the Elmhurst Quarry.

Upcoming Events

Water Quality Lunch 'N Learn

Thursday, April 13, 2023, Noon - 1:00 P.M.

SWM is hosting a free water quality webinar. Natural Communities' Nick Fuller will teach land managers how to create resilient and healthy ecosystems through Flywheel Ecology™, a three-dimensional Integrated Pest Management framework, for natural areas vegetation management. This management framework is a must have for anyone managing natural areas, especially on larger scales and in tough-to manage environments. Advanced registration is required.

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April Showers! Rain Barrels, Rain Gardens & Native Plants

Monday, April 17, 2023, 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Join Jim Kleinwachter of The Conservation Foundation as he discusses the Conservation@Home program, sponsored by SWM. He will discuss how rain barrels, rain gardens, and native plants work together to foster healthy ecosystems in your yard. He will also explain how to get a free consultation for your property. The free event will be held at the Addison Public Library (4 Friendship Plaza). Advanced registration is required.

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2023 Sustainable Design Challenge

Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

DuPage County and SCARCE are celebrating the 17th annual Sustainable Design
Challenge, which promotes environmental and stormwater education in local high schools.
Students from DuPage County high schools will display their innovative and resilient
building and landscape designs on the first floor of DuPage County's Administration Building (421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL).

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Naperville Earth Day Fair

Sunday, April 23, 2023, 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Sponsored by Naperville Park District and the City of Naperville, this free, family-friendly event will include children’s activities, eco-friendly vendors, and free native seeds and saplings. Attendees will also learn about the benefits of native plantings, discover energy-saving items, view demonstrations, and attend presentations by experts, including SWM. It will be held at Fort Hill Activity Center (20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville).

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Warrenville Arbor Day Event

Sunday, April 29, 2023, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Warrenville's Arbor Day celebration offers residents an opportunity to learn about the correct way to mulch trees, how to maintain their lawn without pesticides, and composting. Vendors, including SWM, will provide educational information regarding native plants, local wildlife, proper recycling techniques, and more. This event will take place at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center (3S260 Warren Ave.).

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