Douglas Pollock President at Village of Riverside | Official website
Douglas Pollock President at Village of Riverside | Official website
The Landscape Advisory Commission (LAC) is launching a native plant replacement program for Fall 2024. This initiative aims to target and replace invasive species such as Buckthorn, Tree of Heaven, Callery Pear, and Bush Honeysuckle on private properties. Participants who remove one of these non-native plants from their yards will receive a native tree or shrub in exchange.
The LAC has expressed gratitude to West Cook Wild Ones for their assistance and to the Village of Riverside for funding the commission.
To participate in the program, applicants must provide a photograph of the invasive plant on their property, highlighting its identifying features. Additionally, they need to submit a photo with the removed invasive plant, which must be at least two feet tall.
Native plants available for trade-in will be ready for pickup in fall. The specific tree or shrub species will be announced later and may come in 5-gallon pots, 1-gallon pots, or bare root form. All species will be native to the Chicagoland area and suitable for planting in Riverside.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-choice basis due to limited supplies of replacement native plants. The application deadline is September 13, 2024. Once supplies are exhausted, applicants can opt to join a waiting list if budget permits.
Each address is eligible for one native plant. Successful applicants will be notified by email by September 20th, with pick-up scheduled for late September. Participants agree to water their new plants weekly during the first two years after planting whenever temperatures exceed 80°F and there is less than an inch of rain per week.
For further inquiries, individuals can contact the Landscape Advisory Commission via email at lac@riverside.il.us.
Native plants are particularly well-suited to endure Midwestern climate extremes such as wet springs, dry summers, and harsh winter conditions. Their deep roots help break up soil and reduce flooding while supporting local wildlife including birds, bees, and butterflies.
In contrast, invasive non-native plants tend to grow uncontrollably and displace native vegetation. More information about the benefits of native plants and application details can be found at: https://www.riverside.il.us/630/Invasive-Trade-in-Program
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