Learn to Manage Ponds, Wetlands, Natural Areas at Workshop

Those detention ponds, drainage swales, wetlands and natural areas in your subdivision are important components of a designed stormwater management and drainage system that need to be maintained. A free workshop for homeowners associations (HOA), lake associations, and property owners responsible for maintaining stormwater systems will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the College of Lake County, 19341 W. Washington, lower level Wing C, Grayslake.

A vendor exhibit starts at 6 p.m. offering attendees an opportunity to talk directly with companies who design, install, and maintain stormwater management components. The workshop presentations begin at 6:30 p.m. and focus on why stormwater drainage systems are important components of infrastructure in Lake County, maintenance techniques and practices, and typical problems and how they can be resolved.

Featured speakers include the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, an attorney who specializes in HOA maintenance legalities, and the Loch Lomond Property Owners Association (LLPOA).

LLPOA Board Member Fritz Chesek will share the association's rain garden program and shoreline improvements to mitigate localized flooding and provide cleaner water entering the lake. Costs and cost-share sources, and educating property owners on stormwater best practices and the need to maintain them will also be discussed.

The workshop is sponsored by the College of Lake County and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 847-377-7707 or email Darcy Hertel at dhertel@lakecountyil.gov. For more information see www.lakecountyil.gov/stormwater