Natural Area Restoration Projects
The Park District is dedicated to helping
sustain plant life for future generations
by protecting and restoring indigenous
natural communities such as prairies,
woodlands and wetlands. Restoration
projects are primarily focused on the
removal of invasive non-native plants and
reintroducing native trees and plants.
Greener Glen Ellyn Campaign
The Greener Glen Ellyn Campaign
featured ten different topics with monthly
educational articles, supported by
examples and ideas residents could enact
to practice a greener lifestyle.
www.gepark.org/a-greener-glen-ellyn
Earth Day 2018
Prescribed Burns
Prescribed burns were conducted at
Ackerman and Churchill Parks in 2018.
Prescribed fire stimulates growth of
native plants and grasses while reducing
invasive trees and non-native, weedy
plant species.
Native Plant Installation Projects
• Over 800 wetland plants were planted in
the low wet areas of Maryknoll Park
• Dozens of oak tree saplings were dug
from a holding area and planted in parks
as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Problem Based Learning (PBL)
Staff worked with School District 41 on
three different problem-based learning
projects related to natural resources
including topics such as: recycling & up-
cycling, the importance of unstructured
outdoor time, and helping native plant
and animal species.
As part of Earth Day, the Park District
worked with School District 41 to
showcase student’s earth art work and
projects made with recycled materials.
Over a dozen local environmental groups
were present to showcase their services.
Rain barrels were available for purchase
and educational tours of Lake Ellyn Park
were offered.
DuPage River Sweep
Natural resource staff helped organize the
local effort of the DuPage River Sweep,
a county-wide clean-up coordinated by
The Conservation Foundation to remove
trash from local rivers and waterways. The
sweep was conducted at Churchill Woods
Forest Preserve.
Partnerships
The Park District partnered with The
Conservation Foundation and the
Village of Glen Ellyn’s Environmental
Commission to offer a public workshop on the
health benefits of being in nature, offered a
Sustainable Yard Tour, as well as a Native Tree
and Shrub Sale for residents. Over 170 plants
were ordered/sold at the sale!
Monarch Waystations
Monarch Waystations were registered at
Churchill Park and Maryknoll Park. These
areas support monarch butterflies and other
pollinators.
Volunteers
Approximately 400 volunteers helped
with natural area restoration and habitat
improvement projects. The Park District offers
Restoration Work Days each month where
residents can lend a hand in their local parks
and natural areas.
Land Acquisition
Acquired property contiguous to Manor Park
to preserve and expand open space within
Glen Ellyn. The acquired property will remain
in its natural condition while expanding Manor
Park. Additionally, the Village has agreed to
vacate the cul de sac which currently divides
the park in half. The roadway will eventually be
removed and converted to greenspace.
Green Initiatives
Learn more about our 2018 environmental
accomplishments by visiting our website at
www.gepark.org/green-initiatives.