In conjunction with National Public Lands Day, the Village established Homer Glen Lands Day by proclamation in 2001. This important day was established, in part, to recognize and encourage activities by the public that enhance and protect the natural components of the environment within the Village. The Village Proclamation for this special day states:
"The Village of Homer Glen was founded and incorporated in large part due to the desires of its citizens to preserve the unique and diverse components of the natural environment within the Village and to take steps to assist in the further protection and beautification of that environment."
The Village celebrated Homer Glen Lands Day in September with a Tree Planting Ceremony and with the presentation of Community and Nature in Harmony Awards.
2002 Community and Nature in Harmony Awards
Through the efforts of the Parks and Environment Committee [later formed into two committees, the Environment Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee] the Homer Glen Community and Nature in Harmony Awards were created to celebrate Lands Day. The award recognizes people who have demonstrated commitment to the environment through the preservation, restoration, and/or beautification of land in Homer Glen and in the process significantly contribute to community pride.
Ed Anderson
For beautifying Heather Court in the Somerset Hill Subdivision.
Steve Balish
For work with the beautification of our township parks and promoting historical awareness.
John Basile
For providing educational programs, a learning environment, and a home for wildlife.
Marcia De Vivo
For her involvement related to the Long Run Creek Watershed Committee by providing educational awareness, clean-up, management, and the protection of the Long Run Creek Watershed.
Tom and Beryl Hartman
For establishing a wooded preserve and creating a wildlife habitat on their property.
David Krivickas
For his work in researching and preserving our historic past, identifying historic sites and landmarks, and contributing to our historical heritage.
Sheree Kozal La-Ha
For her assistance and guidance in applying for the Green Communities Grant, resulting in an award of $110,000 to the Village of Homer Glen. The grant provided the Village with an environmental vision for the future and help protect our natural resources. (See Green Vision Project)
Lawrence Lauffer, the Daniel Sass Family, Loren S. Sass and Cycylia Maturiak
For their participation in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources voluntary program "Acres for Wildlife", whose purpose is to restore, maintain, and enhance wildlife habitats.
Joan McGowan
For the creation and commitment to the Native Plant Monitoring Program, which provides food for wildlife, the establishment of seed collection for future prairies, and preserves plants that were evident during the pre-settlement era.
Pam Meyers
For being instrumental in the success of the Open Space Campaign, a referendum which allowed Homer Township to purchase property for Open Space, and continued involvement with the Homer Township Open Space Land Stewardship Committee and Land Acquisition Committee.
Susan Tanty
A teacher at District 92 Ludwig Middle School, for providing curriculum that promotes student environmental awareness, love of nature, and future stewardship.
Mallard Lake Estates Developers T. J. Lambrecht and Bob Kegley
For providing recreational opportunities in the subdivision while protecting and enhancing the environment.
NLSB (New Lenox State Bank)
For beautiful landscaping and promoting community pride within our business community.
Old Oak Country Club
For providing a wildlife habitat within the grounds of Old Oak Country Club, while preserving and beautifying the property, and contributing to our sense of community pride.
Stan's Landscaping
For generously contributing and planting numerous trees and shrubs to beautify Homer Township parks.
Annunciation Byzantine Church
For beautifully landscaping the church property while implementing storm water management.
Home of the Clovers 4-H Club of Cook County
For their care and management of landscaping during 2001 at the Tender Loving Care Animal Shelter.
Will County Trail Riders
For working with the Will County Forest Preserve to establish an equestrian trail in Homer Township and contributing to our community's rural atmosphere.
Homer Township Republican Organization
For sponsoring the Homer Township Garden and Yard Walks and promoting beautification, education and community pride.
Homer Township
For working to make the purchase of "Open Space" possible through the referendum process and further contributing toward preservation by the establishment of the Land Acquisition Committee and the Land Stewardship Committee.
Open Space Land Stewardship Committee of Homer Township
For continuing to plan, protect, and maintain agricultural heritage and rural atmosphere.