$10,000 Grant Goes Toward Woodlands Near Riverwoods Village Hall

RIVERWOODS, IL — A project to restore a wooded area around Village Hall received a $10,000 grant, ComEd and Openlands announced last week. The woodland restoration project will include improve nearly 5 acres of land consisting of remnant old-growth oak woodlands and rare northern flatwoods by clearing out invasive shrubs and tree saplings, according to a release.

Riverwood's grant was one of 26 awarded as part of the Green Region Program, a partnership between the energy company and local conservation group that has so far awarded more than $1.125 million to local municipalities, park district, forest preserves and other communities in grants of up to $10,000. ComEd provides the funding and Openlands administers the program.

Last year's grant cycle focused on conserving habitats for pollinator species. It was so popular, the 2018 Green Region grants will also go to projects supporting pollinator species, the groups said. Thousands of native pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, offer vital support to the state's flowers and crops. The Riverwoods project is aimed at improving the habitat for woodland pollinators.

"At Openlands, we believe nature is vital to all people and that everyone should have access to parks, trails and green space close to home," said Openlands President and CEO Jerry Adelmann. "ComEd's continued support through the Green Region Program has brought this vision to life, allowing communities to invest in open space projects that bring joy to citizens where they live, work and play."

Grants were submitted earlier this year and reviewed by a committee made up of county government officials and members of the local conservation community.

"Our partnership with Openlands these past six years helps both the environment and helps out customers to enjoy their communities even more," said Fidel Marquez, ComEd senior vice president of governmental and external affairs.

Find out more about the Green Region Program

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