Resources for creating and maintaining native habit on private land.
- Getting started. If you are new to native gardening, be sure to start here. If you are wondering how to get started, or even if you really want to commit to planting native plants, this section should help answer your questions.
- Guidelines and Criteria. This section describes the essential elements of good habitat and the practices needed to ensure it. Larger habitat areas are better of course, but not essential to contribute to “stepping stone” habitats, as long as some of each category are present. Guidelines provide a checklist you can print and use as you plan and assess your own habitat. Submitting a completed Guidelines document provides consideration to have your property identified on the CLC Living Corridors map.
- Plant lists. As you begin or expand your native plantings, you might benefit from these suggestions of native plants based on the growing conditions you have on your property.
- Invasive plants. These are some of the most invasive woody and herbaceous plants in the greater Chicago area. These resources provide ways to identify and eliminate any that you find on your property as you develop or improve your habitat.
- Pollinators and birds. Included here are some suggestions to attract and support pollinators, including the plant species they need to breed and feed their young, and plants that provide food and nesting sites for birds.
- Other native critters. Creating habitat to attract dragonflies, frogs and much more.
- Earth-friendly landscaping
- Successes. examples and photos
- Local groups promote native habitats. WPPC, WCWO, CFC, CF, etc.