CITGO Lemont Refinery has funded semiannual projects in the quarry, restoring 10 acres so far.

The Village of Lemont recently presented the CITGO Lemont Refinery with a distinctive proclamation as an expression of gratitude for the company’s significant restoration work in the local Heritage Quarry Recreation Area (HQRA).

The HQRA restoration project is part of the CITGO Caring for Our Coast program designed to boost ecological conservation, restoration and education. Throughout the last four years since the effort began, the CITGO Lemont Refinery has funded semiannual projects in the quarry, restoring 10 acres so far. Working alongside the Conservation Foundation, Lemont High School and the Village of Lemont, as well as other local volunteers, the CITGO Lemont Refinery has removed invasive plant species, brush and harvested native species’ seeds for replanting.

Village of Lemont Mayor John Egofske and CITGO Lemont Refinery Vice President and General Manager Dennis Willig planted a commemorative tree in the area during the recent fall volunteer workday. “The proclamation is our way of recognizing the refinery’s commitment to the HQRA project and the investment CITGO has made in our community,” said Egofske.

Located half a mile east of downtown Lemont, the HQRA is situated among thousands of acres of forest preserves, which include more than 65 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as access to fishing and boating along the I & M Canal and the Consumers, Great Lakes and Icebox Quarries.

“We look forward to continuing the restoration of HQRA, and being a part of preserving this natural habitat,” said Willig. “Environmental stewardship is a core value to CITGO and a priority we take seriously, especially in the communities where we live and work.”

CITGO has awarded The Conservation Foundation a grant to continue the restoration work. The next volunteer work day is being planned for early spring 2019.