Gardeners of the Shores propose butterfly garden at Lake Barrington; request up to $10,000 in support

Maria Oparada, president of Gardeners of the Shores, presented a proposal for a butterfly garden on the Lakeside Viewing Pavilion path at Lake Barrington and asked the village to consider supporting the community-led project.

Oparada said the design was donated by Schmiedt Landscaping and is intended to attract pollinators, support local biodiversity and provide education and tours for local students. She described the layout as low-maintenance and staged for phased construction: clearing and hardscape work first, followed by planting and plant insulation. She told the board the hardscape and ground preparation are valued at approximately $4,000 and that the group estimates an additional $10,000 is needed to secure the full project.

Oparada described partnerships and early commitments: a $500 founding donation from a local supporter, Len Zuma; a willingness by veterans' representatives (Bill Bishop) to participate in tours; and collaboration offers from other garden clubs. She said the group expects to manage yearly maintenance with volunteers once established.

During follow-up, attendees raised practical questions about site access and whether the garden would sit inside the gated area. Transcript lines are inconsistent on this point—one speaker asks if "this is inside the gates," Oparada replies "it is not inside the gates" and a subsequent line in the transcript reads "it's inside the gate," creating ambiguity. Oparada emphasized intent to invite visitors from outside and to coordinate tours and access with village staff and partners.

The group requested village consideration of the funding gap and support for staging the project; no formal funding decision or motion appears in the transcript.