Story posted Friday, June 19, 2009
'Nature-Palooza' Clean-Up Event July 18
Prospect Hts. officials are expected to participate in the city's first-ever "Nature-Palooza" event on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Lake, located just east of Elmhurst Road and north of Willow Road.
The inaugural event includes clean-up stations around the lake and slough areas as well as educational breakout sessions conducted by the River Trails Nature Center, North Cook Soil and Water Conservation District, and Friends of McDonald Creek.
Facts about the area include:
* McDonald Creek is a high quality stream that has dozens of species of macro and micro invertebrates, some of which are threatened or endangered species.
* Due to the diversity and quality of food supply, there have been turtles over three feet in diameter documented at Hillcrest Lake.
* Over 65% of the total area of the city drains into McDonald Creek.
* Without McDonald Creek, the Lake Arlington facility would fill beyond capacity and flood the walking paths and homes surrounding it during major rainfall events.
* The natural drainage swales, or ditches, along the side of the roads in the city allows for grass and soil to absorb harmful substances prior to impacting the quality of the city's waterways.
The event includes a free lunch for those that pre-register.
Registration can be done through the city's website, at city hall, or at the Prospect Hts. Summerfest tent.
The registration deadline is Friday, July 10.
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