On Thursday, September 11th, residents, local businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and give back to their community by helping clean up the Niles Community Rain Garden so it is ready for fall plantings of native prairie grasses and wild flowers. Work will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until noon.
All the materials will be provided by our Public Services Department (shovels, gloves, etc.).
Those interested in volunteering should wear work jeans or pants and close-toed shoes to protect their skin from the plants. You may want to wear long-sleeves and a hat as well, but that’s not necessary. Volunteers can park between the Rain Garden and the old Public Services Maintenance Garage. Overflow parking is located at the Niles Police Department. Following the work, the Village will grill hot dogs and have beverages for volunteers.
In 2008, the Niles Community Rain Garden was established through a generous effort by Coca-Cola Enterprises Midwest Business Unit as part of the company’s corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts. The Village of Niles has a great relationship with Coca-Cola Enterprises and is impressed with their commitment to water stewardship.
The Niles Community Rain Garden project, designed by Landscape Architect Phil Stuepfert of Smith Engineering, serves as an ongoing educational tool.