hand holding young tree for planting. concept eco earth day

Eleven Illinois park districts will receive nearly $11,000 to offer Earth Day in the Parks activities, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation announced today.
Earth Day in the Parks has been offered through IDNR since 2007. The events provide students and teachers with an opportunity to increase the use of native plants in Illinois landscapes while benefitting wildlife species. IDNR has wanted to expand the reach of such events by including park districts as host sites.

A recent donation from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation in Skokie to the ICF allowed the agency to do so for the first time.
The program in cooperation with park districts supports the development of pollinator gardens and planting of native trees and shrubs as wildlife habitat. For many students, it’s the first time they make a connection with their environment and see that they can make positive changes for the world.
“We want school children to learn about nature through hands-on experiences,” said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. “We hope to be able to offer Earth Day in the Parks through many more park district sites in the coming years.”
For more information about the program, contact the IDNR Division of Education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov

Illinois Association of Park Districts grant winners

Cook County

• Community Park District of La Grange Park, La Grange Park, standard pollinator garden: $998.40
• Des Plaines Park District, Des Plaines, native trees/shrubs: $1,000
• Glenview Park District, Glenview, native trees/shrubs: $996
• North Berwyn Park District, Berwyn, standard pollinator garden: $1,000
• Park District of Franklin Park, Franklin Park, standard pollinator garden: $956
• Rolling Meadows Park District, Rolling Meadows, native trees/shrubs: $998

DuPage County

• Naperville Park District, Naperville, standard pollinator garden: $977.50
• Oak Brook Park District, Oak Brook, standard pollinator garden: $1,000
• Woodridge Park District, Woodridge, native trees/shrubs: $1,000

Henry County

• Kewanee Park District, Kewanee, standard pollinator garden: $990

Lake County

• Zion Park District, Zion, native trees/shrubs: $995