On Saturday, April 22 the Villages of Clarendon Hills and Westmont held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Richmond Educational Garden and Apiary located at 1 South Richmond Avenue.

The garden, currently in the planning stages, will be developed on an empty grass lot sitting directly on the border of Clarendon Hills and Westmont. The lot has laid vacant for years with plans for development only recently gaining traction. Dan Ungerleider, Clarendon Hills Director of Community Development, has been leading the charge to use the empty lot in a way that will benefit both communities for years to come. According to Ungerleider the project has reached roughly half of its fundraising goal so far.

The garden will center around pollination and the dire need to revive bee populations. Four hives have already been placed on the property, and are free for anyone to visit. The rest of the garden will include natural ground-water filtration systems, an elevated garden, a food garden, and outdoor classroom setups so that teachers can give their classes a hands-on educational experience with the garden.

The Village is hoping to see the garden completed within the next three years, but will begin construction soon.