DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 04/25/2025 10:14 AM CDT

April 2025                                                                                                                                                    View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County, SCARCE Host Sustainable Design Challenge

sdc

A student team from Glenbard East High School presents their Sustainable Design project to a panel of environmental professionals, including SWM staff.

Students from DuPage County high schools displayed their green building projects to the
public at the 19th annual Sustainable Design Challenge on April 15. Sponsored by DuPage County Stormwater Management, SCARCE coordinates the event, which
encourages students to construct building and landscape models using environmental and water-friendly design practices. Participating high schools included Glenbard East (Lombard), Lake Park (Roselle), Hinsdale Central (Hinsdale), and Metea Valley (Aurora).

Equipment Upgrades Underway at Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility

quarry pumps

A panel opens at the Quarry to show the newly installed check valves and piping, which are critical to efficient operation.

SWM is working with a contractor to complete essential equipment upgrades at the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility. Workers have been inside the West Lobe platform replacing the check valves and piping. Once work is completed, the Quarry will have a new motor control center that operates three new pumps. The pumps being replaced have been in operation since the Quarry was originally converted into a flood control facility in the mid 1990's, and are now reaching the end of their service life. 

Registration Open for Advanced Wetland Plant ID Course

SWM is once again hosting a three-day Wetland Plant Identification Course from June 16 to June 18. The course is intended for government agencies, restoration professionals, wetland consultants and others interested in advanced plant identification. The class will be held in the field at various forest preserves across DuPage, Cook and Lake Counties, and taught by famed Illinois botanist Chris Benda. The course costs $650. If you are interested in attending, please contact Nick Assell at nick.assell@dupagecounty.gov for more details.

Around Town

On Earth Day this week, SWM staff hosted a group of A.P. Environmental Science students for a tour of the Elmhurst Quarry. The students, from Glenbard West, got an in-depth understanding of the engineering and ecological factors at play when operating the Quarry.

That same day, SWM Chair Jim Zay and Committee Member Grant Eckhoff helped present an Earth Day proclamation during the County Board meeting. A celebration of all the county initiatives that promote a clean DuPage, Chair Zay talked about the Sustainable Design Challenge and DuPage River Sweep.

tour

High school students look out over the west lobe of the Elmhurst Quarry Flood Control Facility.

Upcoming Events

Warrenville Arbor Day Event

Saturday, April 26, 2024, 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.).

More Info

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

SCARCE Growin' Green Garden Market

Saturday, May 3, 2025, 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Join SCARCE at their annual Growin’ Green Garden Market. Since 2014, the garden market has been the premier eco-friendly garden fair in DuPage County, featuring several environmentally conscious vendors and activities, including SWM staff discussing water quality-friendly practices and initiatives. Free to the public, it will be held outdoors at 800 South Rohlwing Road (IL Route 53) in Addison.

More Info

Bensenville Public Works Open House

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Join Bensenville Public Works for a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, tools, and equipment required to maintain the Village’s infrastructure. At this family fun-filled event, you can participate in activities and visit booths to learn more about Public Works departments: Water, Streets/Forestry, Wastewater, Fleet & Building Services, Stormwater, and Engineering.

More Info