Trout Valley receives $10,000 grant for pollinator garden

The Village of Trout Valley, with the assistance of The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC), has received a $10,000 grant as part of the 2018 Green Region Program entitled, “Leading the Way: Enhancing Suburban Pollinator Habitats” from ComEd and Openlands. The funds will be used to enhance a historic nine-acre fen and to install a 150-square-foot monarch waystation pollinator garden, which is a garden that provides food and habitat for monarch butterflies.

Trout Valley is located in a densely populated part of McHenry County, making the preservation and creation of natural areas a high priority for preserving pollinator habitat. The village plans to use the funds to expand pollinator habitat on public lands and encourage residents to grow native plants in their own yards.

Inspired by the unique hydrology of the Trout Valley fen, 1920s land owner John Hertz commissioned famed landscape architect Jens Jensen to design an intricate series of streams and ponds while preserving the ecological integrity of the site, and his work in this area can still be seen today. A nature trail allows the public to enjoy its scenic vistas. Planned activities include improving the fen to create a groundwater protection buffer and to stop the spread of invasive vegetation.

The monarch waystation will be designed to inspire residents to integrate native plants into their own landscaping. It will include native plants suitable for use in home landscaping, with an interpretive sign to promote backyard pollinator gardens. This project will be part of the Conservation@Home program, which is TLC's environmentally responsible land stewardship support program for homeowners. The Village hopes to provide an example to its residents of the beauty and ecological function possible in a native plant garden and restored natural areas.

Openlands partners with ComEd to administer the ComEd Green Region Program. Recognizing that open space in our communities is a crucial element of the quality of our lives, this program awards grants to public agencies supporting their efforts to plan for, protect and improve open space in northern Illinois.

TLC is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land. For more information, visit TLC’s website, www.conservemc.org