DuPage County Stormwater Management News & Updates

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 05/19/2025 11:13 AM CDT

May 2025                                                                                                                                                    View this email in your browser
DuPage County Currents

DuPage County, SCARCE Award Design Challenge Winners

glenbard east team

DuPage County Stomwater Management Committee Chair Jim Zay, SCARCE Founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen, SCARCE Educators, and Stormwater Management Director Sarah Hunn award "Best Stormwater Design" to students from Glenbard East High School.

During their May meeting, members of the SWM Planning Committee presented awards to winning student groups chosen from this year’s 19th 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 (Roselle) and Glenbard East High School (Lombard).

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Construction Begins on St. Joseph Creek Condo Flood Control Project

st joe's

Construction crews begin installation of a flood gate being built along St. Joseph Creek to protect the nearby condominium complex.

Construction on the Saint Joseph Creek Condominium Flood Control Project is well underway in Lisle. The County's contractor broke ground in early May to begin installation on one of five flood gates that will protect three condo buildings from nearby Saint Joseph Creek. The project, which is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants, is expected to continue through the summer.

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 4th 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

Last month, SWM joined SCARCE at Jay Stream Middle School in Carol Stream for a full day of water education with the entire 6th grade. SWM Chair Jim Zay, longtime Carol Stream resident, kicked the day off by remarking how important good stormwater management has been to the community. SWM staff members talked about the engineering and construction of the nearby Armstrong Park Reservoirs, and used an interactive floodplain model to demonstrate the benefits of stormwater best management practices. SCARCE team members held their own sessions on water pollution, stream wildlife, and what students can do at home to protect water quality.

jay stream water immersion day

Jay Stream students get a hands-on understanding of the effects of permeable pavers (sponges) and other best management practices on downstream communties for their Water Immersion Day in late April.

Upcoming Events

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.

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Nature's Resurgence: Churchill Woods Restoration Tour

Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 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.

Register Here

Wood Dale Public Works Open House

Thursday, June 12, 2025, 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!

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