Spring event features sale of compost bins, rain barrels and native plants

The sale of compost bins, rain barrels and native plants will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 12, 13. The special spring event is sponsored by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and Lake County Forest Preserve District.

Using rain barrels, practicing backyard composting, and planting native species are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond.

There are many benefits including:

Ÿ Using rain barrels reuses stormwater from rooftops and diverts water from storm drains, decreasing the impact of runoff to streams and minimizing sewer overflows during heavy rainfall.

Ÿ In addition to creating a nutrient rich soil for yards and gardens, composting at home means residents will dispose of less material in their waste, diverting a large percentage of materials from our landfills. Compost can also reduce the amount of water needed and helps improve resistance to plant diseases and insect pests.

Ÿ Planting native species in your yard can reduce the amount of water needed for gardens, and eliminate the need for fertilizers and chemicals. Native plants also support local wildlife, providing food, water and shelter to songbirds, butterflies and other pollinators, as well as other native wildlife.

The compost bin and rain barrel sale is one day only, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at Independence Grove Forest Preserve, parking lot D, 16400 W. Buckley Road (Route 137 east of Route 21) Libertyville. Cost is $60 ($150 value) for a 55-gallon rain barrel and $50 ($100 value) for an 11 cubic foot/311 liter capacity compost bin.

Accessories including a $10 kitchen scrap pail; $15 compost aerator and $25 compost thermometer also are available.

Quantities are limited. Taxes are included in the price. Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted.

The native plant sale is a two-day event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 13, at the North Bay Pavilion at Independence Grove.

Purchase plants (native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees) that thrive in local garden conditions and provide habitat for native wildlife. Prices vary, starting from $4.50 and up. Cash, Check, Visa and MasterCard accepted.

Visit swalco.org or call (847) 336-9340 or lakecountyil.gov/stormwater or call (847) 377-7700 for information on the compost bin and rain barrel sale

Visit lcfpd.org/plantsale or call (847) 367-6640 for a list of plants or information on the native plant sale.