DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/22/2023 10:13 AM CDT

April 2023                                                                                                                                    View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County, SCARCE Award Design Challenge Winners

SDC Winners

Stormwater Management Committee Chairman Jim Zay, SCARCE Founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen, and Stormwater Management Director Sarah Hunn award "Second Place in Overall LEED Design" to students from Wheaton Academy, led by their teacher Josh Burick.

During their May meeting, members of the DuPage County Stormwater Management (SWM) Committee presented awards to winning student groups chosen from this year’s 17th annual Sustainable Design Challenge. Chair Jim Zay and Director Sarah Hunn were joined by SCARCE Founder Kay McKeen in recognizing the top student groups. Sponsored by SWM, SCARCE coordinates the annual event, which encourages students to construct building and landscape models using environmental and water-friendly design practices. Awards went to students from Hinsdale South (Darien), Wheaton Academy (West Chicago) and Glenbard East (Lombard) high schools.

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SWM, ISCA Host Hydric Soils Course in DuPage County

hydric soils

Water Quality Supervisor Mary Beth Falsey takes field measurements in front of participants.

Last month SWM co-sponsored the 2023 hydric soils course with the Illinois Soil Classifiers' Association,as well as Engineering Resource Associates, V3 Companies, and M&M Soils. 44 participants from as far away as Iowa came to DuPage County to learn all about hydric soils, which play a key role in wetland delineations. Working in the field at two DuPage Forest Preserve sites, participants engaged in activities like soil sampling, texturing, and profile descriptions.

Smith & Cambridge ARPA Project Substantially Completed This Week

smith

Crews place stone shoulder along Smith Road, one of the final tasks needed to consider the project substantially complete.

The final tasks needed to reach substantial completion on the Smith & Cambridge Drainage Improvement Project were finished this week. The project, located in unincorporated West Chicago, is one of many SWM has funded through our allotment of the DuPage County ARPA funds. It provides upgraded storm sewers and stormwater detention to reduce flooding. Restoration work, including sodding, is expected to be completed over the next month.

Around Town

In the last month SWM staff engaged with the public at various weekend events in Addison, Warrenville and Naperville. The SCARCE Growin' Green Garden Market is always popular and this year was no exception, despite the rain. As we approach the summer our team is prepping for lots of outreach opportunities throughout the County. Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events tab below for local events where you can catch us in action!

Scarce market

Water Quality Specialist Claire Kissane and Civil Engineer Samantha Heatherly at the Growin' Green Garden Market.

Upcoming Events

Downers Grove Native Tree & Shrub Sale

Pre-order closes Tuesday, May 24, 2023, 12:00 P.M.
Pick-up on Thursday, June 8, 2023, 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Our partners at the Conservation Foundation are currently selling native plants online for pickup at Downers Grove Public Works. Over 20 varieties of native trees and shrubs are available, including oaks, dogwoods, hydrangeas, and more.

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Conservation@Home Presentation

Thursday, June 1, 2023, 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

In honor of Illinois Pollinator Month, learn how to plant for birds, butterflies and other pollinators with practical tips on how to manage it over time with Jim Kleinwachter from The Conservation Foundation. Solving wet areas in the landscape will be discussed as well. Attendees will get a native plant guide and learn about how to get a yard visit from one of The Conservation Foundation staff. Taking place at the Carol Stream Public Library.

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Woodridge Jubilee

Saturday, June 17, 2023, 12:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Summer doesn’t begin until you attend the Woodridge Jubilee! The annual summer festival, which is organized by the Woodridge Park District and the Village of Woodridge will be taking place from Thursday, June 15 - Saturday, June 18 at Town Centre at the corner of Woodridge and Center Drives. Featuring free admission, carnival rides, live music and a variety of food, the Jubilee is sure to please every type of crowd. SWM staff will have a table set up on Saturday, June 17, come see us while you enjoy the festival!

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