Gurnee resident recognized for innovation in sustainable landscaping

Gurnee resident Geoff Deigan has received the Garth A. Conrad Memorial Award from the Midwest Ecological Landscaping Alliance. The award, which was presented at the organization's annual conference recently, recognizes innovation in sustainable landscaping.

Deigan is president and CEO of WRD Environmental, a firm he founded in 1997 to help clients committed to sustainable development realize their vision. The company has produced sustainable results for clients ranging from major municipalities to Fortune 1000 corporations to nonprofit organizations, and improved the life of more than 150 communities in a mix of urban and rural settings.

WRD's projects span Illinois, with Lake County projects that include:

• The master plan and site design for Conserve Lake County's Casey Farm Center for Land Health, in Libertyville, which aims to help develop the local food economy.

• The campus master plan for Prairie Crossing Charter School, in Grayslake, where children learn the value of community and the environment.

• The master plan for Station Square at Prairie Crossing, in Grayslake, which furthers the conservation goals of the nationally recognized Prairie Crossing conservation community.

Sustainable design and eco-friendly approaches have been at the core of each project.

During the award presentation, Deigan was commended for "helping to change the face of the midwestern landscape and the green industry."

MELA President Mike Curry cited Deigan's work to create and restore habitat, execute large-scale stormwater management projects, cultivate green jobs, integrate eco-friendly landscaping with elder-friendly outdoor engagement, advance environmental education and more.

Believing that progress toward lasting ecological stewardship begins with children, Deigan is also executive director of Prairie Crossing Charter School. He joined the school's board of directors in 2007 and has been advancing the school's mission of creating natural leaders ever since.

Deigan co-launched the Institute for Environmental Education, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that helps groups integrate environmental education into their schools and communities.

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