News Releases - 2002

$90,221 Grant On Arbor Day To Morton Arboretum For Streambank Improvements On Willoway Brook

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano today announced approval of a $90,221 federal grant to The Morton Arboretum to stabilize approximately 1,440 feet of Willoway Brook on the Arboretum's grounds.

Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano today announced approval of a $90,221 federal grant to The Morton Arboretum to stabilize approximately 1,440 feet of Willoway Brook on the Arboretum's grounds.

The funding comes from the U.S. EPA section 319 financial assistance grant program, administered by the Illinois EPA Section 319 funds projects to reduce "nonpoint source pollution" such as soil and other materials that are washed into waterways by stormwater runoff and snow melt.

The project is part of a series of steps that the Arboretum in DuPage County is taking on its grounds to reduce nonpoint source pollution to Willoway Brook which is a tributary of the East Branch of the DuPage River. The current project is the second phase of efforts to halt streambank erosion along the brook.

To stabilize the streambank, the banks will be reshaped, permanent erosion control materials will be installed, native forbs (prairie flowers) and woody plants will be added, as well as riffle and pool enhancement to reduce erosion and improve water quality.

The Arboretum intends to tie in the work with its ongoing educational efforts. Later this season, groups of junior high and high school students will set out appropriate plants along the banks, then care for them as they grow, and provide clean up efforts.

"The projects give the students a realistic introduction to urban environmental programs and their special needs," said Kris Bachtell, Director of Collections and Grounds for the Arboretum.

"This and earlier programs supported by the IEPA have been very helpful in protecting our water resources and reducing erosion," Bachtell added.

The world-famed Arboretum, located in Lisle, DuPage County, has worked with the IEPA on numerous Section 319-funded projects over the years, and is currently developing a future project to demonstrate methods of reducing nonpoint source pollution from parking lot runoff by utilizing environmental "best management techniques" that both reduce pollution and enhance the appearance of the area.