JOLIET - State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that three schools in the 43rd District received grants to enhance wildlife habitat on their grounds.
“The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program is a wonderful project that teaches Illinois’ future generations about the importance of native Illinois plants and how they can benefit wildlife and the planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This resource will not only teach the importance of pollinator gardens but also help children discover the lifelong joys that come with gardening and helping the environment.”
Seventeen Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants totaling more than $55,200 have been awarded for habitat development at schools and other public places through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation.
The following projects were recipients of the grant in the 43rd District:
• Wilco Area Career Center, Romeoville, 11th and 12th grade, butterfly garden – $1,306
• Elwood CCSD #203, Elwood, 5th through 8th grade, pollinator garden – $1,841
• Joliet Public Library, Joliet, kindergarten through 12th grade, standard pollinator garden – $1,580
The Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant program supports the development or enhancement of wildlife habitat on school grounds or other public places. Funding is provided through donations to the ICF. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation are the major sponsors for this program.
Nearly $400,000 in Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grant funding has been distributed since the program’s inception.
“Illinois has been a leader in providing resources toward clean energy and advocating for a healthier planet,” said Ventura. “I commend the efforts that IDNR and ICF have made through this program to instill lifelong lessons about the importance of helping nature rather than harming it.”
Applications will be accepted soon for the next round of Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action grants, with an application deadline of Nov. 30. Go online to access the application and related information or email
