Benefits of native plants seminar set

Submitted by Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

The Crystal Lake Park District will host the Silver/Sleepy Hollow Creeks Watershed Coalition, in collaboration with Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Landkeepers Inc. and Pizzo & Associates Ltd., as they present a two-phase seminar for public officials, staff, homeowner associations and property managers on the benefits of native plantings for retention ponds and common areas.

This is in response to the growing concern for natural areas in subdivisions and demand for applicable education for its maintenance. Achieving the county’s goal for a healthy environment, while addressing the retention pond and common open area issues is foremost in their mind.

Some of the many common problems facing public staff and landowners that benefit from landscaping with native plants include: Detention pond erosion and stormwater control, weed, algae and goose control and meeting regulation requirements for naturalized areas.

Attendees can expect to learn many of the solutions to these issues. Creating and implementing a native restoration plan, knowing the process to maturity and understanding the costs comparisons of native vs. traditional landscaping.

On Thursday, March 22, the seminar will be from 1 to 3 p.m. for elected officials and county/municipal/park district staff and from 7 to 9 p.m. for homeowner associations, property managers and interested citizens. Both seminars will be held at Park Place, 406 W. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake. Admission is free. To reserve your free seat, call Environmental Defenders of McHenry County at (815) 338-0393 or email to mcdef@owc.net. Educational materials will be available for distribution to all attendees.