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 Parks and Environment Committee [later formed into two committees, the Environment Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee] coordinated two events in celebration of Homer Glen Lands Day: a Tree Planting Ceremony and the presentation of Community and Nature in Harmony Awards.
2003 Homer Glen Lands Day Tree Planting Ceremony
A twenty-two foot tall burr oak was planted at the Northwest Homer Fire Station #2. Planting services were donated by village resident Rick Gomez of Instant Shade.
2003 Community and Nature in Harmony Awards
The 2003 Community and Nature in Harmony Awards were presented to fifteen recipients who demonstrated commitment to the environment through the preservation, restoration and/or beautification of land in Homer Glen. The following award winners were recognized:
- Tom and Jane Adelman
- Sharon Bolerjack
- Thomas and Chris Bentley
- Jeff Guzlas
- Debbie Haslinger
- Jack and Lyn McGrath
- William and Marlys McKee
- Jim Nesci
- Jeff and Beth Rodgers
- Doug and Sue Sisterson
- Ruth Smith
- Brian and Joy Stevens
- Bob and Mary Taylor
- Rick Gomez of Instant Shade
- Al & Ellen Lieponis of UltraLube, Inc.