Glenview Park District - Green Initiatives

Environment

Glenview Park District Green Initiatives

In keeping with our commitment to preserve the environment, the Glenview Park District strives to be proactive in a number of areas.

Green Technology at the Tyner Interpretive Center
In addition to housing educational exhibits about the prairie, the Evelyn Pease Tyner Interpretive Center at Air Station Prairie, 2400 Compass Road, is a showcase for “green technology.” The building features a number of environmentally sound design attributes including a geothermal heating and cooling system, solar energy panels, and a “green roof”. The Tyner Center has been certified by the U. S. Green Building Council as LEED Platinum, the highest possible designation under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.

Wetlands Mitigation and Prairie Enhancement at The Grove National Historic Landmark
Augmenting its ongoing work to restore and preserve The Grove’s wetlands, prairie and oak woodlands, The Grove in 2006 was able to further improve the quality of its wetlands by serving as the site for wetlands mitigation which was being required of the Village of Glenview by the Army Corps of Engineers in order for the Village to receive approval to develop property at another location. And in 2007, after three years of negotiations with the Illinois Tollway Authority, an agreement was reached for a sound barrier to be erected to help protect The Grove from Tollway noise pollution. This agreement included a contribution from the Tollway Authority for berms and other Grove enhancements including the development of a new native prairie and planting of trees.

Environmental Considerations in Park Design
In developing the master plan for the development of the second phase of Community Park West, a primary consideration was to design a park which not only met the recreational needs of the community but could also serve as a model of native plant species and wetlands preservation. Careful attention has been paid to management of storm and ground water to minimize the impact on our water supply and the planting plan for the park will utilize native trees and shrubs adapted to the specific conditions of each planting location. Community Park West photo courtesy of Gewalt Hamilton.

Christmas Tree Recycling Program
For the past several years, the Glenview Park District has cooperated with the Village of Glenview in a Christmas tree recycling program to reduce the number of trees being sent to landfills. The trees are picked up by Village trucks then ground up by park district workers to be used as mulch in the parks. This program recycles an average of 3,300 Christmas trees per year.

Environmental Team Initiatives
As the park district’s Environmental Team begins its work, several initiatives will be given priority:

Recycling:
Provide the opportunity for recycling of paper, plastic, glass and aluminum in staff and public areas throughout the Park District. Develop informational materials to promote recycling and the use of recycled materials.

Noxious pests:
Monitor the District’s parks and natural areas for noxious pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. Develop safe and effective management plans for controlling and/or preventing noxious pest damage. Educate staff and patrons in regards to pest biology, natural history and management protocol.

Tree Program:
Expand the District’s current tree-planting practices. Improve the Tree Dedication program throughout the District with increased marketing and promotion. Develop means to recognize participants with a donor reception.

Environmental Management System:
Develop and implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) that promotes environmental awareness to employees and the community and aids in the continuous improvement of environmental performance. Elements of this plan will include:

Reduction and safe handling of waste

Wise use of energy resources

Open space planning and preservation

Environmental education and interpretation

Responsible purchasing practices

Compliance with environmental laws and regulations

What Can You Do?

Start Recycling -- The chances for success of any efforts to preserve and protect the environment grow as more people get involved. The Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County has many suggestions for ways you can help. To find out more, go to http://www.swancc.org/greenPages/greenpages.html.

Plant a Rain Garden -- Glenview residents can help our local environment by planting a rain garden in their yard. Rain gardens reduce the amount of water conveyed into the local storm water system. The vegetation in a rain garden filters the water, reducing pollutants that can end up in our natural waterways. The Village of Glenview currently has a program to partially reimburse residents for costs involved in planting a rain garden. For details on this program, click here.

Use Energy Saving Light Bulbs in Your Home-- To learn more about the different types of energy saving bulbs and which ones are right for which uses, http://www.drmediaserver.com/CFLGuide/index.html.