On Oct 17, 2015, CITGO Refinery hosted a clean-up of the Lemont Heritage Quarries, where hundreds of volunteers from LHS and the community volunteered to clean up the area.

CITGO has been sponsoring the clean-up project since 2014, where volunteers help remove invasive species from the recreational area and make it a cleaner, safer place overall.

Two clean-up projects are offered each year; one in the fall to remove invasive species, and one in the spring to replant seeds for native species to grow.

Last year, 200 volunteers were able to clear up to 3 acres of land for the Fall cleanup.

This year’s Fall restoration brought in over 300 volunteers from around Lemont.

The amount of land cleared this year has not been officially determined, but it is believed thus far that astonishing progress was made towards the goal restoration of 5 acres.

CITGO plays a close part within the Lemont community and school districts, as the refinery is located within the small town.

“We jumped at the opportunity to invest in a project in a place that has important environmental and recreational resources, both for our employees and the residents of Lemont. Restoring the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area was a great opportunity for CITGO to give back to its community”, said Jennifer Stocks, CITGO Communications Specialist.

Many volunteers were students of LHS, who are involved in the science program at the high school. They were not mutually exclusive, as many other students took part as well.

Students were encouraged by teachers, staff, coaches, and other peers to attend the cleanup. Turnout ended up being so large that registration had to be closed.

“One of the great things about this project is that local students, which accounted for a majority of the volunteers for the day, were able to learn about a natural habitat that is right in their backyard”, said Stocks.

Many students who volunteered had taken part in the cleanup for various reasons. Some had gone for extra credit opportunities, while others had just wanted to give back to the community.

“I think it will benefit the community because the trail is super pretty and more people may utilize it when it is all cleared up”, said senior Mackenna Grelck.

The next cleanup date is set to take place around Earth Day in April.