Illinois American Water awards Bolingbrook Park District grant for restoration project
Illinois American Water presented the Bolingbrook Park District with a $5,000 grant to assist them with phase III of their DuPage River restoration project. The grant was in conjunction with Illinois American Water's annual environmental grant program for watershed initiatives that improve, restore or protect watersheds across the state.
"Through our environmental grant program, we provide stronger support for community initiatives related to clean water, conservation, education and community sustainability," said Jen Thornburg, senior manager of Chicago Metro District.
The Bolingbrook Park District project aims to eradicate invasive species and restore the wetland and shoreline. These improvements will benefit native birds, reptiles and amphibians. Native species establishment is the most critical variable when performing a restoration. This is especially difficult here in a flood-prone area where seed would otherwise get washed away. The $5000 award will be used to purchase native planting, pollinator houses and duck houses. Volunteers on the project will also contribute by assisting with tree clearing, planting and river clean-up events.
"The Bolingbrook Park District is delighted and honored to be chosen as one of 2019 American Water Environmental Grant recipients," stated Forrest Rackmyer, manager of natural resources, horticulture, and turf for the Bolingbrook Park District.
"The grant funds will allow us to continue with ecological improvements along the East Branch of the DuPage River," added Rackmyer. "Our 2019 restoration efforts will focus on creating and improving habitat for the regions avian, herpetological, and pollinating insect populations. Many thanks go to the volunteer groups, Bolingbrook Park District administration, and American Water for their dedication and perseverance to help and protect our valuable local natural resources."
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.