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The Conservation Foundation was awarded an $80,000 grant from CITGO to begin restoration work in the O'Hara Woods Nature Preserve. The grant is a part of CITGO's "Caring for Our Coast" initiative, which is designed to boost ecological conservation, restoration, and education.

The Conservation Foundation will work in partnership with the village to improve the ecological health of O'Hara Woods, an Illinois Nature Preserve, while creating activities to involve as much of the community as possible. The grant funded the first annual O'Hara Woods Community Day, which was held on October 5. It included family-friendly activities like guided hikes on the trails, volunteer restoration, hands-on water-quality activities, and education about the health benefits of exercise, natural areas, and open space.

"CITGO continues to be a wonderful partner in our community and we welcome the assistance of the Conservation Foundation in helping us to keep O'Hara Woods a prime example of nature at its finest," stated Mayor John Noak.

The Conservation Foundation is striving to create a volunteer group that will undertake restoration activities throughout the year, will promote the use and benefits of the area trails by people and children through signage and a walking guide, and involve nearby schoolchildren in experiencing and taking care of O'Hara Woods. If you'd like to join this group, contact Dan Lobbes at 630-428-4500, extension 104 for more information.