Township Seeks Public Input, Help with Woodland Sanctuary

Lemont Township seeks residents with a green thumb, ambition, and vision to help make 59 acres of open space into something special. 

The Township will hold a focus group meeting February 24, to gather with interested residents to flesh out the future of the land located near the Township building and dog park.

Currently the Township partners with Pizzo & Associates for the development of the prairies and management of open space. During this next year the Township hopes to form a community citizen board to help with the management of the land. The February 24 meeting is to reach out to the public to identify interested residents.

The land was purchased using funds from a $10 million referendum—$2 million of which was spent on the township's new building. Once the partnership with Pizza and Associates concludes, the land will be entirely in their hands, and belongs to the residents in perpetuity. 

"The Township isn't in the business of owning large pieces of land," said Township Facilities Director Kathy Henrikson.

"We need help."

The Township will receive guidance from the University of Illinois Master Gardener's program, which also plays a role in Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights. 

Henrikson is specifically looking for help scheduling seasonal work such as mowing, burns, weeding and removing invasive species. Ideally, a citizens advisory board or advisory committee will plan community events, such as educational programs, public education in the benefits of preservation and nature. 

The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Lemont Township offices at 16300 Alba St. For more information, contact Program Coordinator Kathy Henrikson at Kathyhen58@att.net or 630-257-2522.

"We may have another 'Lake Katherine' on our hands here," she said. "It could be something really exciting.

"Let's keep it going in the right direction."

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