Why Native Plants? 

Shared from our Friends at Go Green Glen Ellyn 

Native plants might be something that sounds complicated, but it’s not as daunting you may think. They are generally defined as plants share 3 common elements:

They have evolved naturally
Native perennials are beneficial as they know and love our weather, our soil as well as our local animals and pollinators. They put out deep roots that help them survive drought, and prevent erosion. These deep roots help the soil by improving infiltration, increasing carbon sequestration which benefits other plants and organisms. Natives have flowers that local species rely on to survive. They need less water, chemicals and fertilizer (particularly if you use some plant-loving compost!) Native plants also save money in the long run as they keep popping up, year after year! That’s a win-win-win!

They are integral in a location
There are a group of native core plants and trees called “keystones.” You may know keystone in architecture as that stone at the top of an arch that holds the other stones in place. That is what a keystone plant is – a plant that is essential to an ecosystem because it provides support to other organisms (plants, insects, bids, animals, people!).

They have developed without human intervention
Plants which are native to our area existed here before European settlers arrived! Urbanization (and suburbanization!) has taken a toll on our local biodiversity. That lack of biodiversity (think green, manicured monoculture lawns and ornamental non-native flowers) has negatively impacted our local ecosystems, making it difficult to support wildlife. BUT, we have the power, garden by garden and yard by yard, to make an impact by improving biodiversity in our own backyard when we incorporate some native plants. This is where, by “greenies law,” we have to stop and recommend the inspiring book which explores this idea, Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas Tallamy.

Historic Homes Bike Tour

Starting at Moraine Park 

Saturday June 1
12:00pm – 1:30 pm:

The Historic Preservation Commission has created a bike tour, scheduled for May 18, 12 PM and June 1, 12 PM for this roughly 5-mile route. The tour will begin at Moraine Park on Sheridan Road and head south towards the historic Belle Avenue and Vine/Linden/Maple historic districts. There are plenty of historic and architecturally significant homes along this route! Bike participants will enjoy free beach access from Moraine Park courtesy of the Park District of Highland Park. Bring your own helmet and bike. The information & route map will be posted cityhpil.com/hpc.

Curious About Worm Bins? 

Robert has been recycling food scraps with the help of worms, also known as vermicomposting, for 2 decades, how cool! We were so lucky to have him join us at our Compost Giveaway on May 5.  All the attendees were excited to see the worms and impressed by amount of food that the little wigglers can process. 

When asked how he picked worms and why he’s still using them today, Robert replied, “I’ve always been a proponent of composting and when I lived in an apartment in Chicago almost 20 years ago the best way to practice it was with a worm bin. So I bought one and it’s been working great all this time. It’s extremely easy to maintain, produces no odors and is a great way to convert food waste into a beneficial product. When I moved to Highland Park I added an outdoor tumbler compost bin and also a small fenced in area for all our leaves, cut grass, cardboard & newspaper. We compost 100% of our non-animal product food and yard waste.” Learn more about vermicomposting and other ways to compost at home here.