Flossmoor D161 Awarded Grant To Create Pollinator Garden

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Flossmoor District 161 has been selected to receive funding to create a pollinator garden, part of the Green Region Grant Program's efforts to support conservation projects across northern Illinois.

ComEd and Openlands recently announced the 2025 recipients, awarding more than $150,000 to 18 conservation projects. This year, grants of up to $10,000 each, totaling over $150,000, were awarded to support preservation projects, expand habitats, combat climate change and create environmental education spaces in northern Illinois communities. Special consideration was given this year to projects that help the region adapt to climate change and support pollinator conservation, ComEd said in a release.

From pollinator gardens to greenhouse construction, each of the winning projects chosen this year play a key role in addressing climate change while expanding access to clean, green community spaces.

District 161, through the Parker Junior High School Green Team and in partnership with the Flossmoor Green Commission, will create a pollinator garden on school grounds. The garden will provide students with hands-on environmental education and sustainability awareness.

You can read about all the recipients online.

Since launching in 2013, the program has distributed over $2.45 million to support preservation efforts and create new environmental education spaces statewide. This includes the support of over 86,000 feet of ADA-accessible trails, 1,800 acres of restored land and the planting of almost 39,000 new trees. The program is funded by ComEd and administered by Openlands.

"’Real change in our region requires cross-sector collaboration. Since 2013, the ComEd Green Region Grant has been made possible through a strong partnership between ComEd and Openlands," said Michael Davidson, President & CEO of Openlands. "Together, we’re expanding and protecting pollinator habitats, restoring green spaces, and empowering communities to care for the natural areas that sustain us all. This partnership is advancing our shared vision for a more biodiverse, climate-resilient region—where people and nature thrive together."