Grants Awarded to Two Local Projects
Hazel Crest Open Lands park
Each year, Thorn Creek Audubon awards grants up to $500 for local projects that support wildlife protection, habitat restoration, or environmental education. Grant applications are reviewed quarterly. The newest TCAS Environmental Grant recipients are:
Improve Wildlife Habitat at Open Lands Park: Hazel Crest Open Lands Arboretum (Hazel Crest, Ill.)
The Village of Hazel Crest's main goal for its three Open Lands parks, totaling 53 acres, is to increase tree canopy diversity and provide recreation opportunities to residents. A dedicated volunteer group works with the Village to clear invasive brush, plant and tag trees, install interpretive signs, and contribute other enhancement projects.
Open Lands Park is an accredited Level II ArbNet arboretum. The trees play a key role in reducing local heat islands and flood mitigation. The grant will be used to obtain native shrubs and perennials that will add habitat diversity.
Expand College Campus Ecosystem Diversity: South Suburban College (South Holland, Ill.)
The College has been developing the campus grounds to sustain a diverse living laboratory for environmental education courses and to support local wildlife. In addition, students are encouraged to act as citizen scientists by submitting bird observations on campus to eBird.
The campus now has most tree species native to Illinois and a rain garden with native wetland flora. The grant will be used to obtain native shrubs for an understory to increase habitat complexity and replace invasive, non-native bushes. The shrubs will be planted during a student and staff workday.
"Thorn Creek Audubon is delighted to help fund these projects that combine wildlife habitat improvement with enhancing access to high quality green space for students and local residents," said TCAS President Diane Hicks. "These projects will benefit area students and our local communities."
Congratulations to the grant recipients.
We look forward to the results of your completed projects!
About the Environmental Grants Program
Through its annual grant program, Thorn Creek Audubon aims to increase habitat conservation, environmental education, and wild bird appreciation. Local organizations are invited to submit proposals for grants of up to $500. Details are on the TCAS website at: Environmental Grants.
The Environmental Grant program and other chapter projects are supported by Thorn Creek Audubon member dues and contributions.
March 9, 2024