ComEd Openlands Grant – parcel map
We are pleased to announce the awarding of a ComEd/Openlands grant to the Village of Lake Zurich. The Ancient Oaks Foundation was instrumental in applying for this grant and its nonprofit status was integral to the successful application process. This $10,000 grant will be used to accomplish Phase I of the habitat restoration of the oak woodland at 351 Lions Drive in Lake Zurich. Although this parcel which is directly across from the Nature Park, is loaded with invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, it also has 28 mature oak and shagbark hickory trees. Over this upcoming fall/winter, the area will be professionally cleared and herbicided to remove the invasives and prevent their resprout. Native grass and flower seeds have already been spread on the area. Next spring, there will be additional clearing of buckthorn resprouts. Volunteers with the AOF will monitor plant growth and will perform weed removal as needed.
Phase II is being planned for 2017/18 and will include the placement of a walking trail. Phase III (2018/19) will include the placement of a fishing pier or other type of boardwalk at the ponds edge.