HOMER GLEN, IL — The Village of Homer Glen has been named one of 23 recipients of the 2024 Green Region Grant program, a joint initiative by ComEd and Openlands. This announcement was made in a recent press release.
The program, which awarded grants totaling $200,000, provided up to $10,000 per recipient. The grants aim to support projects focused on nature preservation, combating climate change, and creating safe habitats for pollinators and wildlife in communities across northern Illinois.
“We at ComEd are committed to uplifting the communities we serve, ensuring that residents have access to cleaner and more sustainable public spaces,” said Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd. “By partnering with Openlands, we can better identify and support projects that have a significant impact on local ecosystems, while also enhancing quality of life and promoting sustainable practices.”
The grant awarded to Homer Glen will be used to enhance Culver Park’s pollinator habitat. This effort will contribute to climate resilience and conservation restoration within the community.
The Green Region Grant Program, established in 2012, has seen ComEd and Openlands invest over $2.3 million in more than 280 green space improvement projects. These initiatives have led to the development of over 85,000 feet of ADA-accessible trails, the planting of more than 38,600 trees, and the enhancement of over 590 acres of land, according to the release. The program is funded by ComEd and administered by Openlands.
“We are proud to continue our collaboration with ComEd to drive meaningful environmental improvements in the Chicagoland area,” said Michael Davidson, CEO of Openlands. “Our focus on pollinator habitats, tree planting, seed research, and the maintenance of natural areas not only improves public spaces but also contributes to biodiversity and resilience against climate change.”