The Forge Charitable Adventures Receives Grant For Pollinator Meadow

LEMONT, IL — The Forge Charitable Adventures in Lemont is among 23 recipients of ComEd and Openlands' 2024 Green Region Grant program, according to a news release.

Grants totaling $200,000, or up to $10,000 each, were awarded this year to support various projects that support the preservation of nature, combat climate change and create safe habitats for pollinators and wildlife in communities across northern Illinois.

“At ComEd, we are dedicated to lifting the communities we are privileged to serve, which includes ensuring residents have access to cleaner and more sustainable public spaces,” Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd, said in a release. “By collaborating with Openlands, we’re better able to identify projects that can make the most meaningful impact on local ecosystems while enhancing our quality of life and fostering sustainable practices.”

The Forge Charitable Adventures Lemont will expand the pollinator meadow at the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area, removing invasive species and planting native seedlings, according to a release. Educational signage will also be added.

The Green Region Grant Program was started in 2012, and ComEd and Openlands have invested more than $2.3 million to more than 280 green space improvement projects. The initiative has supported the development of more than 85,000 feet of ADA-accessible trails, the planting of more than 38,600 trees, and the enhancement of more than 590 acres of land, according to a 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. “By focusing on pollinator habitats, tree planting, seed research, and the maintenance of natural areas, we not only enhance public spaces but contribute to biodiversity and resilience against climate change."