The Village of Algonquin has been selected by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness for a 2012 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award for the Gaslight Park Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary in Algonquin.
The Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards recognize sites that are exemplary in the use of native landscaping, ecosystem restoration and protection, and/or conservation design. These practices create and protect habitat for a variety of native plant and animal species and result in important environmental benefits for both people and nature.
Previously, this area of Gaslight Park had a drainage creek and a grass bottom stormwater detention area. The creek banks became overgrown with invasive species, such as box elder and honeysuckle, causing erosion and impacting the stormwater capacity of this site. In 2009, the Village began removing the invasive species and restoring the area utilizing native landscaping. The site today features specific native plantings that create a desired habitat for birds and butterflies, while still maintaining the site's stormwater capacity and filtration capabilities.
"This award is another fine example of Algonquin using conservation methods to develop sustainable solutions to drainage problems," said Village President John Schmitt. "Stormwater is now filtered naturally and recharges our aquifers we use for drinking water and we no longer have the maintenance costs of mowing the site."
