Thank you so much to Daniel Dorfman for his wonderful article about Green Bay Trail Day. I participated in the event as a member of Go Green Winnetka and found the event to be a fun and uplifting activity, celebrating the Friends of the Green Bay Trail’s commitment to sustainability along the Green Bay Trail.
By replacing invasive species with native plants, the organization has increased habitat for the insects, birds, and pollinators that are integral to our ecosystem.
But we don’t have to stop at the Green Bay Trail. Anyone with a plot of land can also plant natives. They’re important to effective stormwater management, as they have deeper and more extensive root systems that prevent erosion and provide extra filtration. Since natives also require little to no fertilizer or chemical applicants, both of which can harm water ecosystems, they’re also superior for improving water quality.
And bonus: native plants thrive in our Midwest climate with little encouragement. From the milkweed that is vital to the Monarch butterfly’s life cycle to the pollinator-friendly purple coneflowers that provide color virtually all summer long, native plants are beautiful and beneficial at the same time.
Fall is a great time to plant natives for them to thrive next summer. If you’re wondering where to purchase native plants, Go Green Winnetka will be hosting a Fall Native Plant Sale on Sept. 11 at Indian Hill Park, 131 Wilson Street.
For more information, you can visit the Go Green Winnetka website at gogreenwinnetka.org.
Teri Cross
Go Green Winnetka
