Volunteers join Northbrook Parks Team to plant native species at Floral Park

On Monday, May 16, volunteers from Monarchs, Milkweed, and More joined forces with Northbrook Park District's Parks Team to plant a variety of native species at Floral Park, 3105 Floral Drive.

Around 350 forbs, grasses, sedges, and shrubs were purchased by the park district to help beautify Floral Park as well as provide a natural, native landscape. The goal of the project was to replant a majority of the ornamental areas with pollinator friendly native plants, an initiative that was spurred by the volunteer group and enthusiastically accepted by the park district.

The park is now bursting with familiar plants such as Coneflowers, Geraniums, Little Bluestem, and False Indigo, but volunteers also planted many lesser-known plants including four varieties of Milkweed, Woodland Sunflowers, and Red Columbine.

According to Parks Division Manager Bill Meyer, "It was great to have so many volunteers help with this project. It's very exciting to see so many people interested in utilizing native beneficial plants within our landscapes."

A special thanks goes out to Marilyn Fish, who initially reached out about the project and coordinated volunteers, as well as Ellen Smatlak who played a major role in planning and plant selections.

Floral Park is in the southwest part of Northbrook and serves the neighborhood bordered by Techny, Willow, Pfingsten and Landwehr roads. This park contains two handicapped-accessible playground areas, four exercise stations, a half-court basketball court and a native prairie area with an educational "I Spy" prairie walk. The exercise stations include a warm-up station, a rowing machine, lat pull and an elliptical machine. To take a look at all the parks Northbrook Park District has to offer, visit nbparks.org.

Established in 1927, Northbrook Park District's mission is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.