Nicor Gas commits $30,000 to Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens over the next two years

In honor of the first day of Spring, Nicor Gas is announcing a commitment of $30,000 over the next two years to complete woodland restoration and increase programming for senior citizens and underserved students at the Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights.

Through this strategic partnership, Lake Katherine expects to restore one acre of land, plant 16 native trees, install five pollinator gardens and engage more than 1,000 underserved individuals in nature.

"At Nicor Gas, we believe in not only preserving our environment today, but preparing it for generations to come," said Somali Tomczak, director of Regional Operations at Nicor Gas and vice chair for the Board of Directors at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Garden. "We are committed to serving our communities and ensuring our service territory is a place where nature and wildlife thrive, while also providing educational and recreational spaces for our customers."

Over the next two years, the team at the Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens will restore woodlands that adjoin to a new senior center, including access to biking trails that serve nearly 80,000 people a year. Additionally, Lake Katherine plans to work with five schools from underserved areas and enable them to participate in programming and create their own pollinator gardens on their campuses.

"This grant will go a long way in serving our communities and the exciting projects we have underway, including the restoration of new native plants that are beneficial for pollinators and the monarch butterfly," said Gareth Blakesley, director and chief naturalist at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Garden. "None of this would be possible without the strong partnership we are proud to have with Nicor Gas."

To learn more about Nicor Gas' commitment to the communities it serves and the environment, visit www.NicorGas.com/CharitableGiving.