World's Largest Water Garden Tour Celebrates 10th Anniversary Water, land conservation groups benefit from tour proceeds

This summer marks the 10th anniversary of the world's largest water garden tour, Parade of Ponds, which has raised more than $100,000 for regional and national water and land conservation groups to-date. This year's tour with its 200-plus participating ponds, hopes to add another $25,000 to that total.

This summer marks the 10th anniversary of the world's largest water garden tour, Parade of Ponds, which has raised more than $100,000 for regional and national water and land conservation groups to-date. This year's tour hopes to add another $25,000 to that total.

More than 200 custom-built water gardens are featured on the tour, which extends to the far north, west and south suburbs, as well as Chicago. Parade of Ponds visitors can see the spectacular water features on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour is sponsored by Batavia-based Aquascape Designs Inc., the nation's leading water garden manufacturer.

Last year, Parade of Ponds raised $25,000 to support The Conservation Foundation and The Nature Conservancy - Illinois Chapter. The two organizations again have been selected as the beneficiaries of Parade of Ponds, which dedicates 100 percent of its ticket price to the groups.

"With our 10th anniversary, we're hoping to expose record crowds to the beauty and lifestyle of water gardening, and, of course, raise as much money as we can for conservation," Aquascape Designs Inc. Chief Executive Officer Greg Wittstock said. "This tour is truly something no outdoor enthusiast should miss."

Participants can visit large, intricately landscaped ponds with waterfalls, streams and ornamental bogs, as well as smaller ponds designed specifically to enhance homes with less outdoor space.

Aquascape Designs Inc. also will sponsor the 10th annual Parade of Ponds photo contest with $15,000 in cash prizes to be awarded to winners in five different categories. Both amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to enter the contest.

Parade of Ponds tickets are $15 and include a brochure containing pond descriptions, locations, directions and guidelines for the photo contest. They can be used for both days of the tour. Tickets can be ordered by calling (630) 326-2400. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Batavia, Aquascape Designs is the country's largest water garden builder and leading manufacturer of ready-to-assemble pond kits. In addition, the company manufactures and distributes the Aquascape Designs Ecosystem, as well as patented pond filtration systems. More information on Aquascape Designs and the Parade of Ponds is available on the company's website at www.aquascapedesigns.com.

The Conservation Foundation is a non-profit land trust and conservation organization in Naperville working to preserve natural lands and waterways in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will counties.

The Illinois Chapter of The Nature Conservancy administers statewide programs to preserve plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
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