DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/28/2024 09:21 AM CDT

May 2024                                                                                                                                      View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County, SCARCE Award Design Challenge Winners

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DuPage County Stormwater Committee Chair Jim Zay, SCARCE Founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen, Stormwater Management Director Sarah Hunn, and SCARCE Educator Andrea Redfearn award "Best Energy Design" to students from Lake Park High School.

During their May meeting, members of the SWM Planning Committee presented awards to winning student groups chosen from this year’s 18th 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 Lake Park High School, York Community High School, and Glenbard East High School.

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SWM Releases Basin Maintenance Handbook for HOAs and Property Owners

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The front cover of the Stormwater Basin Maintenance Handbook. Click on the image to view the full document.

There are countless detention basins dotted across DuPage County, which serve the vital function of receiving excess stormwater from surrounding properties. Without regular maintenance however, they can become a massive headache or stop working altogether. SWM has developed this handbook to help property owners and HOAs learn about their basin's needs and create a plan for its management. The handbook features a complete checklist of a basin's monthly and annual maintenance tasks. Check it out by clicking on the image above!

Register for a Special Tour of Churchill Woods, Hosted by SWM and DuPage Forest Preserve

Discover the popular Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in a whole new light on this exclusive walking tour!

On Wednesday, June 5th at 3PM, experience the transformation of a once-damaged ecosystem as we explore the removal of a historic dam and the restoration of surrounding wetlands. Marvel at the diverse wildlife flourishing in this revitalized habitat. Learn about the triumphs and challenges faced by the government agencies who took on the massive project over 15 years ago, and the dedicated volunteers who continue to steward the woods to this day.

Led by knowledgeable guides from DuPage County Stormwater Management and the Forest Preserve District, journey through a landscape shaped by restoration and stewardship.

Reserve your spot today!

Around Town

This year's DuPage County River Sweep was another big success! Almost 450 volunteers spread across the County cleaned up their local streams on May 4th. Another 100 volunteers participated in cleanups the week before and after, for an estimated total of 6.8 tons of trash removed! Thank you to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to keeping our waterways clean!

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SWM Chair Jim Zay spent the Wednesday after River Sweep cleaning up the Gary-Kehoe Reservoir with Antunes, a local manufacturing company in Carol Stream.

Upcoming Events

Children's Safety Expo

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

SWM will be tabling at this free family event at Lakeview Junior High School in Downers Grove! Tons of trucks will be there from all kinds of government services for kids to play on, along with plenty of activities and giveaways. Sponsored by State Senator John Curran and State Rep. Nicole La Ha.

More Info

Nature's Resurgence: Churchill Woods Restoration Tour

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Discover the popular Churchill Woods Forest Preserve in a whole new light on this exclusive walking tour! On Wednesday, June 5th at 3PM, experience the transformation of a once-damaged ecosystem as we explore the removal of a historic dam and the restoration of surrounding wetlands. Marvel at the diverse wildlife flourishing in this revitalized habitat. Learn about the triumphs and challenges faced by the government agencies who took on the massive project over 15 years ago, and the dedicated volunteers who continue to steward the woods to this day.

Led by knowledgeable guides from DuPage County Stormwater Management and the Forest Preserve District, journey through a landscape shaped by restoration and stewardship.

More Info

Wood Dale Public Works Open House

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 3:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

SWM tabling event! Bring the family and enjoy a fun afternoon of learning about the City's Public Works department. Kids (and those young at heart) will love climbing on, exploring and taking pictures inside City vehicles and big trucks like snow plows, lifts and more! You can meet our Public Works crew, partake in crafts and giveaways. Plus K-9 Officer Bane from the Wood Dale Police Department will be there.

All this, plus food for the whole family. Fun for all!

Pollinator Week: Sustainable Landscaping Choices Presentation

Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Beautify your yard while conserving water and creating a habitat for important pollinators. From the smallest buzzing bee to the graceful Monarch butterfly to adorable fuzzy bats, these creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, ensuring the pollination of plants that provide us with food, beauty, and even the air we breathe. Beth Peluse of The Conservation Foundation will suggest impactful choices for sustainable home landscapes such as planting trees, using native plants, installing rain barrels, and reducing chemical use. Making your yard more eco-friendly has the added potential to save you money by reducing maintenance costs and mitigating rain water issues. From this presentation, you will learn actionable tips on how to create a beautiful, easy-to-maintain garden while reducing your carbon footprint!

Register Here