Severson Dells Nature Center was presented with the Chairman’s Special “Eye on the Future” Award by the Winnebago County Soil and Water District for a rain garden project at the Hudson Place Condominiums on North Main Street.

Severson Dells partnered with William Charles Investments and Spectrum School to plant a drainage basin with native plants that will filter urban runoff before the water is discharged into the Rock River watershed, while providing habitat for birds and butterflies. Spectrum students seeded the basin and will use it to for nature studies.

William Charles, which built the condos on the site of a former Kmart store, was also recognized by the district for the rain garden project, receiving the “Innovation in Urban Development” award. The awards were presented Jan. 26 at the district’s annual meeting.

Severson Dells Nature Center, 8786 Montague Road, Rockford, is a non-profit organization that provides nature programming for about 15,000 people each year. It’s mission is to link people to nature. The Nature Center is based at the Severson Dells Forest Preserve.

Related Links:

Bison, Hula Hoops, Rain Gardens and Smart Growth

Pictures from Planting the Hudson Place Rain Garden