DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 03/21/2025 08:59 AM CDT

March 2025                                                                                                                                                 View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County Names Water Quality Grant Recipients

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Oak Brook Park District received a WQIP grant in 2018 for this stream restoration project in Central Park. Look at those blooms!

The DuPage County Stormwater Planning Committee voted on the 2025 recipients of the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) grant in early March. Celebrating its 26th year, the WQIP grant awards up to 25 percent of funding for projects exhibiting a regional water quality benefit. The County received ten applications this year for projects totaling more than $4.1 million. The Stormwater Committee awarded $275,000 to eight projects across the County.

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April Showers are Almost Here, Is Your Detention Basin Ready?

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A well-maintained detention basin performs better and looks great. A native plant buffer like the one seen here improves aesthetics even more.

If you are responsible for maintaining a detention basin on your property or in your HOA, you may want to take a look at it before the rainy season gets here. Detention basins need to be routinely inspected for blockages at inlets and outlets, which can cause the system to work poorly when needed. Clear any debris that may be blocking the flow, and keep up with other maintenance needs like mowing and trash pickup. Need more help? Check out SWM's Detention Basin Maintenance Handbook, which includes a handy checklist to help you stay on top of your basin's maintenance needs.

Stormwater Basin Maintenance Handbook

Prentiss Creek Watershed Survey Still Open for Resident and Business Input

SWM has begun the process of developing a watershed plan for Prentiss Creek, encompassing portions of Downers Grove, Woodridge, Darien, and Lisle. If you own property or a business within the watershed, SWM invites you to fill out a questionnaire that will help identify flooding, erosion and water quality issues in the area. Click the link below to find an interactive map of the watershed and to fill out the questionnaire. The questionnaire will remain open through March 23rd.

Prentiss Creek Watershed Plan Homepage

Around Town

This past Wednesday was the final session of a three-part workshop series on designing small-scale native landscapes, sponsored by SWM. The Conservation Foundation coordinated this program to educate local landscapers, designers and enthusiasts on how to best create and maintain native ecosystems on the backyard scale. Around 60 participants came to all three sessions at the Naperville Municipal Center, and several of those participants will be completing extra work to be recognized by the Conservation Foundation as a Conservation@Home Professional. There will soon be a lot more help for County residents wanting to convert their yards to natives!

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Participants gathered in the Naperville City Council Chambers for the final session of the Small-Scale Native Landscape Design series.

Upcoming Events

2025 Sustainable Design Challenge

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

DuPage County and SCARCE are celebrating the 19th 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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2025 DuPage County River Sweep

Various dates, check website below for site-specific details

Sponsored in part by SWM, The Conservation Foundation's 34th annual DuPage County River Sweep is a countywide stream cleanup held each spring. Individuals, businesses and other organizations may become involved in this year's River Sweep by serving as a Community Liaison, Group Coordinator or Individual Volunteer. While the majority of communities will be sweeping on Saturday, April 19th, some have moved their dates due to the Easter holiday. To check the dates of your community and register, click the link below!

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Warrenville Arbor Day Event

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 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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Conservation@Home: Garden Design Workshop for Homeowners

Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Transform your yard! Create a beautiful, sustainable outdoor space that supports wildlife and saves money. In this free, interactive short workshop hosted at the Community Bank of Elmhurst, Amy Phillips, DuPage County Programs Director at The Conservation Foundation, will show you tips and tricks for how to design a landscape that conserves water, attracts birds and butterflies, and reduces environmental impact through smart, native plantings and eco-friendly practices.

Register Here