The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness recently honored College of DuPage with a Conservation and Native Landscaping Award.
The award specifically cites the stormwater management system and landscaping that were implemented during the roadways, parking lots and associated landscaping project, which is part of the larger Facilities Master Plan at the college.
The recently completed parking lot plan includes the use of bio-swales, which are depressions for the stormwater that also provide a place for native trees and plants to grow. Also, the campus will have a net gain of more than 500 trees once the current landscaping plan has been completed.
The use of prairie and native plants throughout the project ties into the college's renowned prairies, creating a unified vision and habitat that promotes the natural environment.
"It has been exciting to be part of a project that has so many positive environmental features included in the design," said Angela Knoble, senior project manager, Facilities, College of DuPage. "It's especially nice when you are recognized with an award for the work that you've done."