Foundation Recognizes Land, Water Stewardship
Eight northeastern Illinois entities and individuals were named winners of The Conservation Foundation’s Clean Water, Sustainable Development and Open Space awards.
Open Space
The Open Space Awards recognize outstanding efforts to preserve open space in Northeastern Illinois. One of this year’s award winners was the Meade family of Will County.
The Meade family received an 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. Marjorie Meade accepted the award with family members including her son-in-law, Tom, and children, Mary and Bob.
Sustainable Development
The 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 included the village of Homer Glen. Homer Glen’s motto is “Community and Nature in Harmony.” The community embraces progressive environmental standards, including a landmark ordinance regulating outdoor lighting. Mayor Jim Daley said residents have been advised to “not use any more light than they need, and to direct the light only where it is needed.”
Clean Water
The Clean Water Awards were established in 1997 to recognize waste-water 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 waste-water discharge, thereby helping to maintain water quality in their communities. 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.