ComEd has awarded the River Forest Sustainability Commission a $5,000 grant to fund the village's third season of Parkways for Pollinators, a community garden planting activity available to residents who host green block parties. The grant was awarded through ComEd's Green Region Program and Openlands, a preservation group that "protects the natural and open spaces of northeastern Illinois."

In partnership with the Deep Roots Project, the Parkways for Pollinators program transforms land with native plants that help mitigate flooding and provide a habitat for butterflies, along with other pollinators.

The program is intended to add native gardens to the village, bring neighbors together, and educate residents about natural gardening and lawn care.

"Together with our partners at Openlands, we are proud to support organizations that are making meaningful differences to restore and enhance natural habitats and biodiversity," Melissa Washington, ComEd vice president of governmental and external affairs, said in a statement. "It's the perfect balance of meeting our future energy needs and powering a brighter and more sustainable future for our customers and the communities we serve."

Nona Tepper