Spring Fling at GreenTrees Kicks Off Landscape Project

The Spring Fling at Huntley's GreenTrees apartment complex is coming together thanks to volunteers who will be out the next few weeks planting and beautifying the landscape at the low-income senior housing complex.

“It’s finally fitting into place,” said Pam Fender, who has been recruiting volunteers for the project. “It’s going to be great.”

Volunteers will be at the apartments, located off Main Street, at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 6 and 8 a.m. Saturday, May 12 and May 19.

The McHenry County Housing Authority began working with the McHenry County Land Conservancy and a professional landscape architect in the fall on the project at the 56-unit housing complex.

This spring, the housing authority started the next phase — planting trees and bushes and installing benches.

Because the housing authority is working with a small budget this year — about $13,000 — it needs to get volunteers to help with the planting. Last year, 15 volunteers donated six hours of work to get the area prepared and to plant prairie grass, she said.

Community groups and schools have stepped up to help, Fender said. The groups include the Huntley Jaycees and St. Mary Catholic Church’s youth group, she said. Students from Huntley High School and Marlowe Middle School also are helping, she said.

Companies and groups also have been donating materials and services. This week, Landmark Contractors is donating and building a concrete patio and park benches, Fender said.

GreenTrees is home to low-income and physically disabled seniors.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call Fender at 1-847-302-6772.