Spring Lake Project received more than $1,800 in grant money from the Jimmy F. New Foundation, of Walerton, Ind., for habitat restoration at the 37-acre park northwest of Streator.

The money is earmarked for restoration of native grasses and flowers in an acre between the creeks at Spring Lake Park. The grant also supports the planting of 350 native trees in areas where erosion has occurred. The new trees will complement those planted near the park's entrance last year after being donated by Danchris Nursery and Three Trees Nursery.

The Jimmy F. New Foundation additionally is supplying materials for 13 houses for screech owls, bats, wrens and bluebirds. The houses will be put together and hung by Spring Lake Project volunteers.

Among the other projects the Spring Lake group has planned for 2008 are adding handicapped accessibility to the pedestrian bridge and a handicapped-accessible overlook at the falls area. For a list of items needed for the projects, go to www.springlakefalls.org.