Community Corner

Volunteers Plant Rain Gardens in Highland Park

Plants have long roots that help storm water infiltrate into the ground.

By Rebecca Grill
Natural Areas Manager
Park District of Highland Park 

Around 60 volunteers from SOLO CUP, the Winnetka Youth Organization, Northwoods School Brownie Troop, UCANN2 and the came out to help plant a garden of native plants next to the field house on May 14 during the Park District of Highland Park's River Day celebration.

Native plants have long roots that help storm water infiltrate into the ground, rather than run off into the adjacent Chicago River. The District started planting these so-called raingardens in the park in 2009 as a demonstration project to help residents learn how to mitigate flooding in low lying areas. Three such gardens now dot the area.

With the planting complete, volunteers moved to nearby to pull Garlic Mustard.  This non-native and invasive plant is especially prevalent this year, perhaps due to the cool and damp spring weather.

With only about two weeks left before the plants go to seed, more help is needed to pull this pest from the high quality woodland within the park. Contact Rebecca Grill, Natural Areas Manager at rgrill@pdhp.org if you can help. Gloves and training are provided.  Donations of Lawn/Leaf Bags are welcome.

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