Wild Ones Kane County to host Native Plant Sale at Gray Willows Farm
Wild Ones of Greater Kane County is partnering with Campton Township Parks and Open Space for the 12th annual native plant sale on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. at Gray Willows Farm, 5N949 Corron Road in Campton Hills.
They will be offering over 150 species of native plants, as well as ferns, trees and shrubs. For a list of available plants as of this writing, go to startinyouryard.com (As availability can change as we get closer to the sale, we cannot guarantee any species availability.)
Native plants are species that evolved in our region since the last ice age (about 10,000 years ago) and have adapted to endure the extreme ranges of temperature and moisture that we have here in the Midwest region. Because they have very deep roots, they are able to withstand drought conditions, occasional very wet conditions, and require very little maintenance once established.
Native plants attract native pollinators, which are essential to our survival. Nesting birds also need the native insects that are attracted to native plants. It can take 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars to raise a brood of five chickadees.
Because of their deep roots, native plants also improve the soil as the roots break down and build organic material. The deep roots filter the water that goes into our aquifers. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and move it deep into the soil.
Also available for purchase at our sale will be organic herbs and organic vegetable plants. Ecotone Herbs from Elburn will offer a variety of organic culinary and medicinal herbs grown locally.
Elder Oaks Farm from St. Charles will offer vegetable plants grown from organic seed, using sustainable and regenerative practices. (Purchases from these vendors are made separately from the native plant sale.)
They also will be welcoming K.A.R.E. to Gray Willows Farm during the plant sale.
Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife is celebrating their 30th year. They will have several raptors (birds of prey such as hawks and owls) with them. Although K.A.R.E. usually charges for their programs, they are offering a close-up look at their ambassador raptors free of charge for this event, but donations are greatly appreciated. They accept cash donations and also glad to get purchases from Amazon and Chewy (a QR code will be available for donations.) Please visit them when you come.
There also will be a food truck at Gray Willows Farm during the plant sale: Waffadilla will be offering tasty treats of all things waffle — waffles with cheese, waffles with chicken, waffles with cinnamon sugar — perfect for breakfast, lunch or a snack. They will also offer United Sodas of America, which are naturally sweetened. (for more information: thewaffadilla.com and facebook.com/thewaffadilla)
The wonderful staff at Campton Township Parks and Open Space will be offering wagon rides. This is an opportunity to see the beautiful property here at Gray Willows Farm. There is a gorgeous prairie as well as several wetlands that have been re-established over the past few years after many years of degradation. Come early and see the many species of birds that make their home here. Come and enjoy this beautiful place.
Learn more at greaterkanecounty.wildones.org or facebook.com/GreaterKaneWildOnes.