ROCKFORD — The Forests Preserves of Winnebago County and Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden are pleased announced Tuesday that they have received $10,000 in grant funding from the ComEd Green Region program for the construction of a bioretention area that will reduce erosion and enhance stormwater drainage upon the property in an ecologically sound manner.

The grant and the project comes after careful study of water flow and drainage at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden conducted by the engineering firm Fehr Graham.

As part of their partnership with the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is providing the required $10,000 in matching funds for the project thanks to a grant provided by The Kjellstrom Family Foundation.

The total $20,000 in funding will be used to create a bioretention area that will slow the flow of water across the property and reduce erosion through the use of specific plants tolerant of wet sites. Once complete, an interpretive sign will be installed nearby to educate visitors about the ecological benefits of bioretention areas and rain basins.