September 29, 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day. All across America, more than 200,000 volunteers are expected to visit their favorite parks, beaches, wildlife preserves, and forests to help improve these natural areas.
Palatine Park District’s Service Committee is hosting a National Public Lands Day event at Margreth Riemer Reservoir located at Quentin and Wood Streets in Palatine and at the Hicks Road underpass on the Palatine Trail, on Saturday, September 29 from 9:00am to 11:00am with this year’s theme of “Restoration and Resilience.” Community members are invited to come to Margreth Riemer Reservoir to clean up debris and remove invasive plant species or to the Hicks Road underpass for a graffiti paint over and bike trail cleanup.
This event is perfect for individuals, scout troops, community groups, business groups, service groups, school groups, families, and those needing to complete service hours. To make a reservation for yourself, your family or your group, contact Alissa DePue at adepue@palatineparks.org or visit volunteer.palatineparks.org and look for the Public Lands Day Service Opportunity. Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes, long pants, and works gloves. Boots are recommended. Please bring bug spray and sunscreen.
With 91 acres of land, Margreth Riemer Reservoir is Palatine Park District’s third largest land area, behind the Palatine Hills Golf Course (175 acres) and Hamilton Reservoir (94 acres). The land was originally acquired in 1979 through a lease with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The lease was renewed in 2004. In 1986, a $56,281 OSLAD Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources was obtained for development of the park. Riemer Reservoir includes an 18-hole disc golf course, access to the Palatine Trail, a 20’ X 36’ shelter and a sled hill. Palatine Trail is a bicycle, hiking, and nature trail which extends through the Palatine Park District. Combining paved trail with designated side streets, Palatine Trail provides access to schools, Harper College, neighborhood parks, Palatine Hills Golf Course, and several other northwest suburban bike trails.