Kuechmann Arboretum project in Lake Zurich among those honored by Pritzker

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other state officials honored the volunteer-led effort to turn Lake Zurich's little-used Kuechmann Park into a certified arboretum along with the other Governor's Hometown Award-winning projects at an online ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier this month, the state announced that the Kuechmann project was among the winners of the award. Since 1983 the award has been given to recognize those who contributed to projects in Illinois that improved their community's quality of life.

Pritzker said during the online ceremony, which can be viewed at youtu.be/pFXJzc2FWlQ, that even with the pandemic going on in 2020 there was an increase in applications for the awards.

"It brings me such pride to represent a state whose residents are dedicated to improving their communities," Pritzker said. "This is the Illinois I know, a place where the people are bold enough to believe they can make a difference and courageous enough to act upon their impetus to give back."

Volunteers with the Lake Zurich-based Ancient Oaks Foundation have spent hundreds of hours clearing invasive species from Kuechmann, which according to a 2011 village survey was only used by about 3% of residents at the time. In addition, volunteers have planted flowers and other greenery to encourage pollination, rehabbed the abandoned walking trail and installed picnic tables and benches.

Kuechmann Arboretum is about 8 acres and is accessible off North Old Rand Road.