Program recognizes yards friendly to the environment

Q. I was out walking in my neighborhood and I saw a sign in my neighbor's yard that says "Conservation@Home." What does that mean?

A. You have come across a program sponsored by the University of Illinois and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. You may want to seriously consider having your own backyard certified for environmentally sound landscape practices.

The Conservation@Home program recognizes yards, schools and organizations that integrate sustainable practices contributing to clean water, rich soil and ecosystems that support people and wildlife. Residents can fill out an application and become aware of the criteria needed to meet certification.

A Conservation@Home evaluator will come to your yard to review native plantings, water conservation practices, minimal use of chemicals and removal of invasive species. If the criteria is met, you, too, can be part of the growing number of gardens in the Chicago area that have been recognized as a site that is conscientiously improving the environment and humanity by utilizing native plants and supporting habitats for wildlife.

Native Landscape Design Workshops are being held in February and Natural Lawn Care Workshops will start in the spring to educate gardeners on eco-friendly environments and the criteria required for certification of your landscape.

For more details, visit extension.illinois.edu/cook/conservationhome.

- Bev Krams

• Provided through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 on Wednesdays and Saturdays or (708) 725-2400 on Tuesdays or email northcookmg@gmail.com. Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/mg.