Campton Open Space Foundation bolsters preservation efforts
The newly formed Campton Township Open Space Foundation recently donated $2,500 to the township to supplement open space preservation efforts and promised to work with the township in future efforts to secure grants.
The foundation is a nonprofit group certified by the state and aims to help pay for items such as benches, plantings, signs and educational resources, said Joe Garbarski, the foundation's executive director and former Campton Township trustee in the 1990s.
"We just started the foundation in late 2017. The intention is to help the township's open space program with funding for some of the amenities they can't typically afford," Garbarski said.
"The township has a pretty established open space program," he said. "We felt this was a way to help support them."
Other board members are Wade Maisto, a longtime resident and retried teacher, and Neal Anderson, former township supervisor and winner of Campton Hills' inaugural Outstanding Citizen Award.
John Kupar, Campton Township supervisor, praised the foundation and residents for supporting the township's effort to purchase and preserve open space, which is nearing the 1,500-acre mark.
"The citizens of the township have always taken the lead on issues," Kupar said.
Kupar said the $2,500 is a start and officials are looking at some small restoration projects as a possible use for it. He said the foundation also can help increase the chances for future grants by partnering with the township.
"Not only can people contribute, but it also gives us another vehicle to go after grants. A lot of these organizations like to give money to organizations that partner with others," Kupar said. "It's the community doing this, it's not the government."
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit the foundation's website or call (630) 621-7445.