Thorn Creek Audubon Awards Grants to Two Local Projects
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:
Restore Elementary School Interactive Educational Garden: Homewood SD 153, Willow School (Homewood, Ill.)
The garden is used for a student garden club, studying birds and bees, reading, and other school programs. The area had to be left unattended during the COVID crisis and needs restoration. Volunteers are undertaking the work to revitalize this outdoor educational alcove. A key priority is removing the non-native invasives that displaced previously installed native plants and replanting. The grant will be used to obtain a variety of native plants to attract and provide food for diverse birds and butterflies.
Expand College Campus Wildlife Habitat: Prairie State College (Chicago Heights, Ill.)
The college's Sustainability Committee is increasing on-campus biodiversity by converting turf grass to native ecosystems using volunteer labor. Previous work established a native prairie area. The next phase is planting native fruiting shrubs to provide a food source for birds and other wildlife and have ornamental value that the college community will appreciate. The plants will also serve as a water purifying rain garden since the shrubs will be in and around a retention basin that drains a parking lot and feeds into a bordering creek. The grant will be used to obtain diverse native shrubs.
"Thorn Creek Audubon is delighted to help fund these projects that combine habitat improvement for birds and other wildlife with enhancing educational programs." said TCAS President Diane Hicks. "These projects will benefit area students and our local communities."
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: Grants.
The Environmental Grant program and other chapter projects are supported by Thorn Creek Audubon member dues and contributions.
Congratulations to the grant recipients. We look forward to the results of your completed projects!
March 15, 2022