The village of Downers Grove will host a free workshop Thursday to educate residents on storm water management, conservation strategies and the newly implemented utility fee.

The workshop will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave. 

Village officials will be on hand to discuss the recent shift to the storm water utility system, which replaced the former property tax-based system with a monthly charge for all property owners, including tax-exempt churches and non-profits. They will also share information about the various incentives residents can employ to reduce their utility bills.

The featured speaker, Jim Kleinwachter of the Conservation Foundation, will discuss water conservation strategies.

Vendors that provide residential services and products related to the Stormwater Utility Incentive program will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. to discuss landscaping and garden planning, rain barrels and permeable pavers.

The main meeting will last about an hour, according to village officials. Vendors will be available after the meeting to talk with residents.

All attendees may enter the drawing to win a rain barrel. 

Participating Vendors 

The following vendors will have displays and provide information about their services, as they relate to stormwater and water conservation:

• Village of Downers Grove
• The Conservation Foundation
• SCARCE
• DuPage County Stormwater Management
• The Land Office
• CMS Landscapes
• Unilock
• Dig Right In
• The Growing Place
• Pizzo Native Plant Nursery

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