Naturalized Basins: A Tour of Danada Woods Subdivision HOA

12 days ago

When

Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 16:00 US/Central

Danada Woods HOA

Danada Court (nearest cross street is Naperville Rd)

Join our guided walkthrough designed specifically for property managers and HOA leadership interested in learning about the successful implementation and ongoing management of naturalized stormwater basins within a residential community. Learn firsthand how Danada Woods transformed traditional detention areas into ecologically beneficial landscapes, balancing aesthetic appeal with cost-effective maintenance leveraging native plants. Gain practical insights, ask questions, and see sustainable water management in action. This tour is in partnership with DuPage County Stormwater Management and The Pizzo Group.

We will be joined by Jack Pizzo, the President of The Pizzo Group: Ecological Restoration & Native Plants, which offers all aspects of the creation and restoration of nature-based solutions and sustainable landscapes including experienced and field-tested design, consultation, installation, restoration, and management. They grow and sell hundreds of species of native plants and seed, and have worked on teams of all sizes, with all allied professions, as a prime contractor or subcontractor and as a partner throughout the country.

Save Your Spot: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E11571&id=176

FAQ Did you know?

Community Sustainability Stormwater Restoration Conservation

Where

Danada Court, Naperville, IL, USA

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The Conservation Foundation

Simply put, we save land and we save rivers, and we’ve been at it for more than 50 years. Founded in 1972, The Conservation Foundation is one of the region’s oldest and largest not-for-profit land and watershed conservation organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring open space, protecting rivers and watersheds and promoting stewardship of the environment in northeastern Illinois. We focus our work in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties, but have also had the honor of working on significant projects in Cook, DeKalb, Grundy and LaSalle Counties.

FAQ

What is the conservation and stormwater-management purpose of naturalized basins, and why should HOAs consider them?

Naturalized basins are detention/retention areas planted with native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and wetland plants to slow and store stormwater while providing habitat, improved water quality, and aesthetic value. For HOAs they reduce long-term mowing and weed control costs, increase property value and curb appeal, reduce peak runoff and flooding risk, and support pollinators and native biodiversity — all while meeting stormwater-management requirements more sustainably.

If our HOA wants to replicate this, what practical steps should we take after attending the tour?

Start with a site assessment (drainage patterns, soils, depths) and document existing infrastructure. Form a small committee including a board rep and an engaged resident, then consult local stormwater staff (DuPage County) and an ecological contractor (e.g., The Pizzo Group) to develop a conceptual plan and cost estimate. Pilot one basin first, secure funding in your budget (or grants), create a maintenance and monitoring plan, and schedule community outreach before installation to set expectations.

What are typical maintenance needs and cost-saving strategies for naturalized basins?

Initial establishment requires occasional watering, invasive species removal, and likely a prescribed burn or targeted mowing after year 2–3. Long-term maintenance usually shifts to seasonal checks for invasive species, debris and sediment removal from inlets, and occasional selective mowing or spot herbicide for invasives. Cost-savings come from using native species adapted to local conditions, phased installation, volunteer planting/maintenance days, contractor seasonal contracts instead of weekly mowing, and applying for cost-share or grant programs.

How can I engage residents and HOA leadership to gain support for transforming basins?

Use visuals and data: show before/after photos, maintenance-cost comparisons, and benefits such as pollinator habitat and reduced flood risk. Host a site visit (like this tour), present a small pilot to limit perceived risk, offer volunteer planting days so residents feel ownership, provide clear signage on the benefits and maintenance schedule, and present phased cost estimates. Address common concerns up front (mosquito control, aesthetics) with evidence: healthy basins often reduce standing water duration and look intentional when well-designed.

What should I bring and what questions should I ask during the tour to be most effective?

Bring a notebook or device to capture plant lists, contractor names, photos, and measurements; wear closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for uneven or wet ground, and use tick repellent if needed. Ask specific questions: What were initial and annual costs? Who manages maintenance and how often? What plant species performed best and which failed? How were resident concerns handled? What permits or approvals were required? Also ask for follow-up resources or contacts for design, plant suppliers, and funding sources.

Did you know?

Naturalized stormwater basins and other green infrastructure intercept and treat runoff, removing sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants before they reach streams and rivers — improving local water quality.

https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/benefits-green-infrastructure

Landscapes planted with native species typically need less watering, fertilizing, and pest control than non‑native turf or ornamentals, which lowers ongoing maintenance time and expense for communities.

https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantCenter

Naturalized basins help slow and store stormwater, reducing peak flows during storms and lowering the risk of local flooding and downstream erosion.

https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/what-green-infrastructure

Native plantings support far more pollinators and beneficial insects than non‑native landscapes, which in turn supports birds and overall neighborhood biodiversity.

https://xerces.org/why-native-plants-matter

Visible green infrastructure and well‑designed natural areas can boost neighborhood appeal and property values by adding attractive, functional green space.

https://www.tpl.org/how-parks-and-green-space-increase-property-values

Compared with conventional engineered systems, naturalized stormwater solutions often have lower long‑term maintenance costs and create opportunities for resident volunteer stewardship and community engagement.

https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure/green-infrastructure-costs-and-benefits