Environmental initiatives honored

Eight northeastern Illinois entities and individuals were named winners of The Conservation Foundation's Clean Water, Sustainable Development and Open Space awards.

Clean water

The Conservation Foundation's Clean Water Awards were established in 1997 to recognize wastewater treatment facilities that perform above and beyond permit standards and show ongoing commitment to keeping local rivers clean and healthy. The honorees consistently exhibit a low concentration of pollutants in their wastewater discharge, thereby helping to maintain water quality in their communities.

Wastewater treatment facilities were honored in three Clean Water Award watersheds: the East Branch DuPage River, West Branch DuPage River and Salt Creek, the latter for the first time.

The East Branch DuPage River Award went to the Downers Grove Sanitary District. The West Branch DuPage River Award went to the City of Naperville for the Naperville Springbrook Water Reclamation Center. Each has received awards two out of the last three years.

The inaugural Salt Creek Award reflects the DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup championed by The Conservation Foundation, and went to the Village of Addison and its Addison North Sewage Treatment Plant.

"Significant improvements have been made over the past 20 years regarding the water quality in the DuPage River and Salt Creek. All three facilities are contributing to the recovery of our local streams and have been singled out as leaders in excellence based on their operations and performance in 2007," said Brook McDonald, president and CEO of The Conservation Foundation.

The Conservation Foundation also recognized Don Schuman of Carol Stream for his nearly 20 years of volunteer service to The Conservation Foundation's monitoring efforts. Schuman has been instrumental in monitoring of monthly discharge data from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for sewage treatment plants within the DuPage River Watershed.

Sustainable development

The Conservation Foundation's Sustainable Development Awards recognize outstanding efforts by communities and developers that plan and construct residential, commercial or municipal developments in ways that protect the environment. This year's recipients include Elmhurst College, the City of Warrenville and the Village of Homer Glen.

Elmhurst College was recognized for its new master plan, which embraces a commitment by the college to design principles that minimize the negative impact of development on natural resources, on the health and well-being of the campus community and on the environment. To that end, the college's new West Hall Residential Facility features silver level LEED certified, green building design, and includes rain gardens and native plants in its landscaping. Elmhurst College project design specialists Wight and Company were also noted in the Sustainable Development Award.

The City of Warrenville became the first Midwestern community to use permeable pavers on a public road, specifically put into use in 2007 on Warrenville Road. Permeable pavers have specially notched corners to allow for increased water infiltration. The Sustainable Development Award also recognized the city and public commitment to the environment and its strategic plan that makes a commitment Mayor David Brummell describes as designed to "preserve and protect the DuPage River, natural features, open space, and wooded areas."

The Village of Homer Glen motto is "Community and Nature in Harmony." The community embraces progressive environmental standards, including a landmark ordinance regulating outdoor lighting. According to Mayor Jim Daley, residents have been advised to "not use any more light than they need, and to direct the light only where it is needed."

Open space

The Conservation Foundation's Open Space Awards recognize outstanding efforts to preserve open space in Northeastern Illinois. This year's award winners - the Meade Family of Will County and the teamwork of the Fox Valley Park District and the Friends for Open Space - will bring long-term environmental benefits to the entire region.

The Meade Family of Will County received an Open Space Award for its placement of a 131- acre conservation easement on its 160-acre property in Will County near Channahon. The easement will permanently protect waterways bordering the Meade property, including a section of the DuPage River and a section of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. In addition to the protection of open acreage and waterways, the property's barn and home are deemed "historically significant" by the state's expert on historical structures.

Another Open Space Award went to the Fox Valley Park District and the Friends for Open Space initiative for efforts that resulted in the passage of largest park district open space referendum in the history of the state of Illinois. To preserve and improve quality of life in Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the Fox Valley Park District sought and gained approval of a nearly $45 million plan. The primary election referendum passed with approval from 65 percent of the voters. Created with the assistance of The Conservation Foundation, the referendum included $22.5 million for land, open space, trail and nature area projects as well as about $22.3 million for park and recreation projects.

The Conservation Foundation created its awards program to acknowledge the efforts of individuals, community entities and corporations for various methods of environmental stewardship. Awards are conferred by the foundation during membership luncheons in the winter, spring and fall. The spring event was sponsored by First Trust Portfolios. For additional information about the foundation's other programs and services, visit www.theconservationfoundation.org or call (630) 428-4500.