Waukegan, Illinois (September 22, 2023) – The Waukegan Parks Foundation is partnering with the Waukegan Park District to host the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10am to 12pm at Pollinator Park, located at 3552 Winhaven Drive. Organized by the National Recreation and Park Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, the free educational event will emphasize the importance of pollinators to the local ecosystem.
During the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, the participants will use iNaturalist, a free mobile app, to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in Pollinator Park by taking photos of plants, insects, and animals. Children’s nature activities will also be available.
According to the White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force, during the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators, such as bees, bats, and butterflies, at an alarming rate of 30% annually, making it vital to act on pollinator protection.
Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, President of the Waukegan Parks Foundation Board of Directors, stated, “With four beehives at Pollinator Park, the Waukegan Parks Foundation is committed to promoting sustainability and pollination. The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz will be an opportunity for participants to learn about the importance of sustainable practices to advance the health of pollinators.”
Jeremiah Johnson, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is an informative and interactive event for families to support pollinator health while enjoying time outside at a local park. The protection of pollinators is essential for the sustainability of healthy communities.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “Parks play an important role in protecting and preserving pollinators and their habitats. The partnership with the Waukegan Parks Foundation and hosting the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is an excellent way to help educate the community on steps they can take to help pollinators.”
Preregistration is not required. More information is available at waukeganparks.org/bioblitz.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org