As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainability and the enhancement of natural environments, ComEd and Openlands, a nationally recognized leader in environmental conservation, announced the 23 recipients of their 2024 Green Region Grant Program. This year, grants totaling $200,000—up to $10,000 each—were awarded to support the preservation of nature, combat climate change and create safe habitats for pollinators and wildlife in communities across northern Illinois. Since the inception of the Green Region Grant Program in 2012, ComEd and Openlands have invested more than $2.3 million to more than 280 green space improvement projects that have benefited nearly 1.6 million people across northern Illinois. This 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. The program is funded by ComEd and administered by Openlands. Details of the Green Region Grant Program can be found at Openlands.org/GreenRegion. The 23 recipients and their funded projects of the 2024 Green Region Grant Program, which include:

Academy for Global Citizenship (Chicago) will add pollinator gardens, bees and hives as part of their urban farm and community garden implementation on a new six-acre campus in Southwest Chicago with its grant. This essential project will create a proper pollinator habitat and innovative stormwater management systems in an industrial neighborhood on land that has been vacant since 2011.

Eckhart Park Advisory Council (Chicago) will support the restoration of Jens Jensen Gardens at Eckhart Park by rebuilding native ecosystems through pollinator gardens and providing raised garden beds for youth conservation programs. This project pays homage to prairie-style architect Jens Jensen and revitalizes the park’s historical landscape.

Forest Preserve Foundation (Chicago) will partner with the Forest Preserves of Cook County to install native seed beds and a wild seed garden, increasing region-specific plant seed stock critical for successful restoration projects with its grant. Volunteers will help care for and maintain these essential resources.

Young Men’s Educational Network (Chicago) will advance the second phase of its Garden to Table Pipeline by enhancing its community garden hub with a greenhouse, native plant landscaping, rain garden and fruit tree orchard. This work supports local food systems and community nourishment.

Photo Credit: ComEd