Orland Park, Ill. — At the June 16 Village Board Meeting, Mayor Jim Dodge and Trustee Dina Lawrence proclaimed June 15 through 21 National Grasslands Week in Orland Park. At the meeting, the board recognized Orland Grassland volunteers for their work leading restoration activities.
The volunteers host seed collections and wildlife monitoring and photography. They have outreach and education opportunities for residents to take part in. Volunteers host guided tours and partner with local schools and other organizations. Between all volunteers, they average 2,500 to 3,000 hours per year maintaining and promoting the grasslands of Orland Park.
Orland Park is home to 1000 acres of grasslands, which support 240 species of birds as well as some Plants of Concern. The grasslands also provide walking, biking and running trails for residents and guests.
The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) purchased the grasslands site in the 1960s and engaged in a restoration project beginning in 2002. The FPCC trains and equips grassland volunteers and takes responsibility for maintaining and managing the site.
Orland Grassland volunteer meetings are hosted quarterly and open to the public. The next volunteer meeting will be July 15 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center. Those interested in volunteering can email their name and address to Pat Hayes, site steward.
