Pilgrim Community Preschool is one of 23 Illinois communities or organizations to receive up to $10,000 each as part of a 2024 environmental grant program.
ComEd and Openlands, a leader in environmental conservation, partner in the Green Region Grant Program to help support preservation of nature, combatting climate change and creating safe habitats across northern Illinois, according to a ComEd news release. The program was created in 2013.
At Pilgrim Community Preschool, 460 Lake St., the plan is to enhance outdoor classroom space, expand greenspace and provide informational signage with the grant money. The release states the school intends to install a rain garden and encourage young leaders to be environmental stewards.
“We are thrilled to be selected for this grant which will enable us to complete environmental enhancements in our Outdoor Classroom space including a rainwater swale and native rain garden,” said Emily Norman, director of Pilgrim Community Preschool. “This area is enjoyed by children in our Preschool, members of our Church and attendees of the Oak Park Farmers Market, making it a perfect location to bring awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability.”
The preschool is a private, nonprofit entity that serves Oak Park and neighboring communities, according to its website. The preschool is housed at Pilgrim Church.
“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,” said Melissa Washington, senior vice president of customer operations and strategic initiatives at ComEd, in the release.
The 2024 grants total $200,000 distributed among the 23 recipients. According to Openlands, nearly 1.6 million people have benefited from the program’s space improvements since its inception. Those improvements include Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible trails, restored land and new trees. And more than 280 conservation projects have already received about $2.3 million through this annual grant, according to the release.
“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,” said Michael Davidson, chief executive officer of Openlands, in the release.
A few other recipients of the 2024 grant dollars include the Fox Valley Park District, the Village of Bolingbrook, the Forest Preserve Foundation and the Lake Forest Open Lands Association.
Update, Sept. 10, 2024: This article was updated to include a comment from Emily Norman, director of Pilgrim Community Preschool.