Maine East Ecology Club to host native plant sale

The Maine East Ecology Club and Green Team are partnering with Go Green Park Ridge to host a native plant sale from 4-6 p.m. Friday, May 13, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, at Maine East, 2601 Dempster St., Park Ridge, near the bus shelter on the east side of the school.

There will be almost 50 species of native flowers, grasses and sedges for sale.

Students and staff are using the proceeds to install educational signs in two nature preserves at the school, including the one-acre oak savanna on the northeast side of campus, which has an outdoor classroom area by an ephemeral pond.

The students and staff are also working toward purchasing two more benches for the seating area in the savanna. There is also a prairie "butterfly garden" on the southwest side of campus, where students learn about the biodiversity and stormwater management benefits of deep-rooted native prairie plants.

The signs will help educate students, staff and the community about the endless benefits and natural history of these once-prominent Illinois ecosystems.

Details on species and the benefits of native plants can be found at mehsplantsale.weebly.com.