Glen Ellyn Park District Wins Award for Monarch Habitat Initiative

The Glen Ellyn Park District has received the prestigious Pat Miller Community Engagement Award from the DuPage Monarch Project for its innovative volunteer initiative, the Habitat Heroes program. This initiative focuses on monitoring native pollinators in local natural areas, contributing significantly to environmental education and stewardship.

Over the past two years, the program was developed by Chris Gutmann, the natural areas and outdoor education manager, and Laurie Bellmar, the environmental outreach specialist. The Habitat Heroes program provides volunteers with hands-on opportunities to engage in the monitoring of butterflies and native bees, essential elements of local ecosystems.

“Managing natural areas as healthy, functioning habitats requires understanding the relationships between plants, soil, and wildlife,” Gutmann stated in a news release. He emphasized the importance of volunteer efforts in collecting data that informs management strategies for improving prairies and woodlands for pollinators.

The groundwork for the program included the development and testing of survey protocols in 2024. During the 2025 season, 18 volunteers implemented these protocols during butterfly monitoring sessions. A trial for native bee monitoring was also introduced, showcasing the program’s commitment to comprehensive ecological monitoring.

The data gathered through these efforts will play a crucial role in shaping habitat management decisions aimed at enhancing forage and shelter for native pollinators. This fall marks the official launch of the Habitat Heroes program, with monitoring activities set to take place across five designated park sites, including Ackerman Woods, Churchill Park, Lake Ellyn Park, Maryknoll Park, Panfish Park, and Glen Ellyn Manor Park & Manor Woods.

The Pat Miller Community Engagement Award acknowledges organizations and individuals in DuPage County that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental education, restoration, and stewardship. The award was presented at the Glen Ellyn Park District Board meeting on October 21, 2023, highlighting the district’s dedication to fostering community engagement in environmental initiatives.

This recognition underscores the importance of local efforts in supporting biodiversity and creating healthy ecosystems while fostering community involvement in environmental stewardship.