DeKALB – Bids to restore and maintain DeKalb’s 1.3-mile-long Nature Trail are open and due by 1 p.m. June 5, according to a notification on the DeKalb Park District’s website.
The project will consist of site preparations such as herbicide applications and invasive species removal, installation of seed and other vegetative materials, and a three-year maintenance contract for the projected site.
An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 29 in the Hopkins Community Center, 1403 Sycamore Road.
The park district’s executive director, Amy Doll, said $17,000 has been raised for the project: $10,000 from ComEd, $5,000 from the DeKalb County Community Foundation, and $2,000 from the DeKalb Rotary Club. The district has also budgeted $40,000 from its capital projects fund.
“Basically, this is for the restoration and maintenance plan the district adopted last year,” Doll said.
A plan drafted by the ecological consulting firm, Encap Inc., was approved the DeKalb park board in November. It had also approved a 15-year agreement with ComEd to allow them to trim or remove any vegetation, plants or shrubs 10 feet tall or taller in the easement.
The 59-page plan said the removal of undesirable and invasive species, coupled with the introduction of high-quality native species, will improve the overall quality and ecological function of the plant communities on the trail’s 15.75 acres.
Bids can be submitted to the administrative offices of the DeKalb Park District, 1403 Sycamore Road, or can be emailed to parks and development superintendent Mat Emken at memken@dekalbparkdistrict.com.
The bid will be awarded, provided all necessary requirements have been met, at the park board’s regularly scheduled meeting June 21.