Sourcebook on Natural Landscaping for Local Officials - Illinois

SOURCEBOOK ON NATURAL LANDSCAPING

FOR LOCAL OFFICIALS

Updated and third printing August 2004

prepared by

Natural Landscaping Sourcebook

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This project has been funded in part by the UnitedStates Environmental Protection Agency under anassistance agreement with the Northeastern IllinoisPlanning Commission. The contents of this documentdo not necessarily reflect the views and policies ofthe United States Environmental Protection Agencyor the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission,nor does the mention of trade names or commercialproducts constitute endorsement or recommendationfor use.

In addition to funding by the United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency, the updated andthird printing was funded through a grant programsupported by the USDA Forest Service NortheasternArea, State and Private Forestry, and the U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service, in support of Chicago Wilderness.USFWS and USFS grants of federal monies areadministered by the Illinois ConservationFoundation.

PROJECT STAFF:

Richard MarinerDennis DreherKatja Huebner

Libby HillEva Wurm

Additional staff for 2004 Update: Irene Hogstrom,Holly Hudson, Belinda King, Kerry Leigh, Kathy

Maynard, Suzanne Thorsen, Julia Friedman

PROJECT CONSULTANTS:

Applied Ecological Services, Inc.Brodhead, Wisconsin

&Thompson Dyke & Associates, Ltd

Northbrook, Illinois.

Line Drawings of Native Plants from Dick Young,Wild Plants and Natural Areas of Kane County

and University of Wisconsin-Extension inCooperation with

the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

The 2004 update was completed with guidance andassistance from Danielle Green, Laura Evans andHelen Tsiapis of the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, Barbara Wood of the Chicago Park District,Jerry Milewski of American Gardens, Jack Pizzo ofPizzo and Associates, Tom Price of ConservationDesign Forum, Mike Sands of Prairie Crossing, JackBroughton formerly of Applied Ecological Servicesand now with Bielinski Homes, Diane TrgovcichZacok of Purdue University Calumet, and ClaytonHeffter and Mary Beth Falsey of DuPage County.

Updated and third printing August 2004Second Printing August 1998

May 1997

Table of ContentsPurpose of the Sourcebook 5

Chapter 1: Introduction to Natural Landscaping 7

Chapter 2: Benefits of Natural Landscaping 14

Chapter 3: The Role of Local Government 23

Chapter 4: The “How To” of Natural Landscaping 29(Includes Follow-up Maintenance)

Chapter 5: Case Studies in Natural Landscaping 51

Appendices

Appendix 1: Glossary 64

Appendix 2: Selecting Assistance for Your Project 67

Appendix 3: Plant Lists 69

Appendix 4: Sources of Information and Assistance 74

Appendix 5: Fact Sheet: Natural Landscaping 79

Appendix 6: Sample Ordinances 82

Appendix 7: Illinois EPA Permit Information 88

Appendix 8: Examples of Natural Landscaping Installation and Maintenance Costs 92

Appendix 9: Executive Order 97

Appendix 10: Selected Bibliography 99


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PPUURRPPOOSSEE OOFF TTHHIISSSSOOUURRCCEE BBOOOOKK

In recent years, a new look inlandscaping, commonlyknown as natural landscaping,has been gaining enthusiasticacceptance across the country.Natural landscaping is an aes-thetically exciting, ever-chang-ing tapestry of hardy, primari-ly native plantings well adapt-

ed to the local climate and soil. It provides acost effective alternative to conventional turfgrass lawns.

Natural landscaping minimizes the environmen-tally detrimental effects of pesticides and fertil-izers, as well as the noise pollution and theemission of air-polluting substances from lawn-maintenance equipment. It virtually eliminatesthe need to use water for irrigation, as isrequired for turf grass lawns. While not mainte-nance free, natural landscaping requires lesstime and money for ongoing maintenance thanconventional landscapes.

Homeowners and developers alike are begin-ning to appreciate the environmental, economicand aesthetic benefits of natural landscaping.

Local officials are in a position to advocate natu-ral landscaping and bring its benefits to theircommunities. Local governments demonstratethe benefits by using native plant materials ongovernment owned and managed lands.

Government officials can amend comprehensiveplans and adopt ordinances to promote theappreciation and use of natural landscapes.Citizen education about the benefits of naturallandscaping can provide a powerful incentive,especially if government officials can point todemonstration projects of their own.

This Source Book will:

* Explain the basic principles and benefits of nat-ural landscaping;

* Demonstrate the feasibility of using naturallandscaping successfully in the region;

* Provide information regarding the ways thatlocal officials as community leaders can encour-age the use of natural landscaping;

* Identify ways to avoid pitfalls that could resultin poorly implemented natural landscaping;

* Describe tools and techniques; and

* Provide direction to other sources of informa-tion and expertise.

This guidebook was originally prepared by theNortheastern Illinois Planning Commission(NIPC) for the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency, Region 5 (USEPA). The intended audi-ence is local officials, land owners, and citizensin the greater northeastern Illinois region.

Because regional geological histories and cli-mate vary greatly and are basic to implementingnatural landscaping, natural landscaping inother regions must be tailored to those uniqueconditions. Therefore, landscape planners andecological restoration practitioners in otherregions, and even within this large northeastern

Blue Vervain


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Illinois region, will need to research their ownlandscape history. They will need to obtainlocal information in order to understand theirspecific natural conditions and native vegeta-tion. However, the basic principles and benefitsof natural landscaping, as described in thisSource Book, should apply anywhere.


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CCHHAAPPTTEERR 11:: NNAATTUURRAALL

LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG

I. What is NaturalLandscaping?

II. The Landscapes of Todayand Yesterday

III. How Can NaturalLandscaping be Used?

II.. WWHAT IS NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING??

Natural Landscaping is the physical modifica-tion of outdoors to serve the needs of people byplanting, altering the contours of the ground,and building structures and amenities such aspedestrian ways, paths and picnic areas.

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Natural landscaping is a relatively new term.Other terms in current use mean much the samething and are somewhat interchangeable. Theterms are discussed in the context of theMidwestern United States.

Native landscaping refers to the use of plants—for example, prairie, woodland and wetlandplants—that flourished in northeastern Illinoisprior to its occupation by settlers from easternNorth America and Europe.

Natural landscaping implies the use of native

plants but has slightly broader implicationsbecause it also suggests landscaping to give the“look” of the landscape that existed before themid-1800s. In addition, there may be an attemptto restore or reconstruct the landscape to lookand function more as it did before settlers, otherthan Native Americans, lived here.

Natural landscaping applies to a wide array oflandscaping techniques that help retain naturallandscape features, including wetlands, wood-lands and natural drainage features. For exam-ple, natural landscaping site design incorporatesnatural drainage features such as swales andvegetated “filter strips” in contrast to stormsewers and artificial drainage channels.

Beneficial landscaping is another term in cur-rent use that embraces both native and naturallandscaping. The term beneficial landscapingalso includes the use of shading and wind-breaks, which reduce heating and cooling needsfor buildings.

These terms are relatively new and their defini-tions are somewhat fluid. Questions of termi-nology should not obscure the basic intent orconcepts. The term “natural landscaping” willbe used throughout this guide. In Appendix 1of this guide is a glossary of frequently usedterms associated with natural landscaping.

Rattlesnake Master


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IIII.. TTHE LLANDSCAPES OF YYESTERDAY AND TTODAY

Northeastern Illinois lies along the northeasternedge of the range of the Tall Grass Prairie of theMidwest. The prevailing landscape beforeEuropean settlement was open prairie. In someareas the prairie was flat, in others rolling. Theprairies were regularly interspersed with poorlydrained lowland and dry, well-drained uplands.Rainfall flowed from the uplands into lowlandwet meadows and marshes.

Throughout the region were small to large tractsof savannas consisting primarily of scatteredoak trees interspersed with characteristic grassesand forbs. More heavily forested areas, somecovering vast acreages and known to theEuropean settlers as “The Big Woods,” grew onthe eastern sides of our north-south runningrivers, where they were protected from fierceprairie fires. In some places, impenetrable thick-ets covered sandy areas and low dunes.

Native prairie, woodland and wetland plants ofthe Chicago region have great beauty and arewell adapted to local conditions. Unfortunately,they have been displaced to a large extent bynon-native plants that were familiar to the peo-ple who first farmed and developed our urbanareas. Only in recent years have the beauty andutility of our native plants and plant communi-ties become widely appreciated.

Our predominant landscaping material today,the green grass lawn, is borrowed from theheavily grazed, short grass pastures and formalgardens of Europe, particularly England. In thatmoist climate, the closely cropped grassesevolved with the grazing sheep, goats and cows.Understandably, pioneers from Europe, used tothe short grasses, brought the grasses as well asmedicinal and food plants to make the unfamil-iar feel familiar.

Unfortunately, the grasses they brought do notthrive as well-kept lawns without a great deal ofeffort to simulate the conditions under whichthey evolved in Europe.

Our area of the country, with its harsher climateof extremes of heat and deep freezes, droughtand drenching rains, is an inhospitable atmos-phere for short-cropped, short-rooted grass.Therefore, the contemporary weed-free lawn ismaintained at a high price, not only in terms ofdollars but also degraded water and air quality,water consumption, and the peace and quiet ofour neighborhoods.

Prairie Planting at Lucent Technologies – Naperville,Illinois


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We need to assess which parts of our landscapescould be replaced with native plants. In return-ing to a more natural landscape, we will bereturning those plants which evolved under ourconditions of climatic stress, which require lessmaintenance and coddling and provide environ-mental, economic and aesthetic benefits.

One immediate result of the switch from con-ventional to native or natural landscaping is thatour landscape can thrive under the diverse con-

ditions across the region:

* sandy soils associated with Lake Michigan andits larger predecessors;

* rich lowland forest soils in floodplains alongstreams and rivers;

* heavy clay soils in low-lying wooded areas;

* wet conditions associated with wetlands, wetprairies, and riparian corridors;

* dry uplands on rolling lands left by glaciers; and

* moderate lands originally covered by tall-grassprairies and groves of oaks and other hard-woods.

Fortunately, there is a selection of native plantsthat have a wide tolerance for varying condi-tions and work well in many locations. Wherespecial expertise and resources are available,ambitious natural landscaping projects canattempt to restore the original soil and waterconditions.

IIIIII.. HHOW CAN NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING BBE UUSED??

Almost everyone can use natural landscaping.There is no rigid set of rules that dictates howmuch or what qualifies as natural landscapingor when it is appropriate. The conceptembraces a range of opportunities for propertyowners, managers and public officials. Anyeffort that increases the amount of area devotedto natural landscaping will be of some benefit.It will largely be up to property owners, localofficials, planners, engineers, and landscapeprofessionals to determine where, what kind,and how much.

Difficult to maintain conventional landscaping.

Natural landscaping for habitat and reduced maintenance.


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Some examples:

New developments of all types can

* preserve and enhance existing natural areas such asprairie, wetland, floodplain and woodland areas asan essential component of site planning;

* cluster homes in order to reserve green areasdesigned with native plants as a substitute for con-ventional subdivision design;

* reduce the amount of impervious surfaces by sub-stituting vegetation where appropriate;

* utilize natural drainage approaches such as swalesand vegetated filter strips instead of storm sewers.

Existing institutional and commercial complexes can

* create prairie, wetland, and woodland areas as partof government, corporate and institutional campuses,and reduce the area devoted to turf grass;

* design and retrofit stormwater detention basins asnatural wetland/prairie systems to enhance waterquality and other environmental benefits.

Individuals and groups of homeowners can

* totally or partially replace lawn areas and commonareas with native plants and retrofit areas for morenatural stormwater detention.

Golf courses can

* reduce the amount of turf by including areas of

rough devoted to native plants and natural environ-ments. The Audubon Cooperative SanctuaryProgram for Golf Courses encourages golf courses toinclude wildlife habitat enhancement, establishmentof Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, andprotection of water resources.

Local governmental units can

* incorporate natural areas into non-active areas onmost types of public property, as well as use naturallandscaping for stormwater management.

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*Native plants as one part of the landscapingmaterial

Existing or new building sites can use nativetrees, shrubs and grasses instead of the “exotic”plants typically marketed by nurseries. Nativegrasses and ground covers may partially replaceturf areas. This approach is becoming increas-ingly popular with homeowners. Natural land-scaping on commercial properties providesenvironmental benefits and a distinctive appear-ance to the building site. “Ornamental” use ofnative vegetation in landscape design can createunusual and attractive effects.

* Native plants as the principal landscapingmaterial


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With careful planning, native plants can consti-tute the primary landscaping material in newdevelopment sites and sites that are being re-landscaped. This approach may be particularlyappropriate for office campuses, public facilitiesand parks, institutions, and clustered residentialdevelopment. Using native plants can result inmajor environmental improvements and costsavings.

* Using more vegetation and less concrete andasphalt

The excessive use of concrete, asphalt and otherimpervious materials in our landscapes causesseveral environmental problems. It acceleratesstormwater runoff and creates flooding and ero-sion conditions for communities along streams.It results in higher temperatures in urban envi-ronments, making the out-of-doors less pleasantand increasing the need for air conditioning.Increasing the use of vegetation- especiallynative vegetation- in our landscaping can reducedamage from stormwater runoff, reduce tem-peratures, reduce energy costs, improve waterquality and increase wildlife habitat.

Strategies for increasing the amount of perme-able surfaces include: reducing street widths inresidential developments, reducing setbacksbetween buildings and streets, designing small-er parking lots which include island vegetation,and clustering development on part of a site.

Paving in unused paved areas can be removedand natural landscaping installed.

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* To preserve existing native vegetation

Preserving existing natural vegetation is a fun-damental purpose of natural landscaping. Whilevery little area within the region has been left inits native state by humans, there are rare andvaluable natural area remnants (wetlands,prairies, and woodlands) which should be pro-tected and properly managed. With removal ofexotic species, native plants will often re-estab-lish themselves rather quickly.

* To restore ecological systems

Another primary use of natural landscapinginvolves restoring entire ecosystems with a fullcomplement of native species. These projectsinclude restoration of previously altered hydrol-ogy along streams and in wetlands and removalof drain tiles. Intensive design, monitoring andmaintenance programs with long-term profes-sional oversight are critical to the success of therestored landscape.

On publicly owned lands, volunteers can helpaccomplish large scale restorations. Volunteerworkers and expert volunteer stewards arealready providing experienced stewardship inall Chicago area counties.

* To create greenways

Linear open spaces called “greenways” provideexceptional opportunities for utilizing naturallandscaping to protect and restore the region’secological identity. Many of the region’s forestpreserves are in greenway corridors and arebeing managed to maintain their natural charac-ter. The Northeastern Illinois RegionalGreenways Plan, adopted by the NortheasternIllinois Planning Commission (NIPC) in 1992and updated in 1997, reflects these regionalgreenway opportunities.

Local jurisdictions can plan and implement localgreenways that connect with the regional green-way network. Greenways are appropriate onboth public and private property. Local andregional greenways are excellent and appropri-ate locations for natural landscaping.

Many greenways contain rivers, streams, orother waterways. In these locations native vege-tation in buffer strips adjacent to the stream pro-vides wildlife habitat, bank stabilization, andwater quality benefits. These buffer strips pro-tect natural resources from human impacts andfilter out pollutants that could flow into streams.

* To stabilize streambanks and shorelines

Native willows, grasses and other plants can beused to stabilize eroding streambanks andshorelines. The techniques that employ nativeplant materials are collectively called bioengi-neering. They are more effective, less costly, and

provide better wildlife habitat than traditionalengineering approaches.

* To manage flood and stormwater

Flooding affects many communities inNortheastern Illinois. Floodplains are regulatedso they will be retained in non-intensive, openspace uses in order to reduce hazards fromflooding. Planting native vegetation in flood-plains helps absorb and slow flood waters.

Stormwater drainage facilities and detentionbasins designed to replicate the natural waterpurification functions of wetlands also improvewater quality and wildlife habitat as well as cre-ating aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Carefuldesign and planting of these facilities allowsthem to blend more naturally into the landscapethan conventional structures.

.


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For more information about stormwater:

Reducing the Impacts of Urban Runoff.Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission:1997.

Strategic Plan for Water Resource Management.Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission:2001.

Sample buffer criteria for a stream greenway


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CCHHAAPPTTEERR 22::

BBEENNEEFFIITTSS OOFF

NNAATTUURRAALL


I. Economic Benefits

II. Environmental Benefits

III. Educational andRecreational Benefits

The numerous potential benefits of natural land-scaping may be divided into economic, environ-mental and educational/recreational themes.These categories are the focus of this chapter.

II.. EECONOMIC BBENEFITS

The “bottom line” can be a strong motivationfor installing and maintaining natural landscap-ing instead of a conventional lawn. The savingsthat can be realized through natural landscapingfor municipalities, park districts, school-dis-tricts, corporations, and institutional campusesare dramatically illustrated in later examples,where approximately nine-tenths of convention-al landscape maintenance costs were eliminated.For some organizations, reducing site mainte-nance costs may be a significant factor in beingable to balance the budget.

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There can be a cost savings in the installation ofnatural landscaping versus conventional land-scaping, depending upon materials specified.The cost of seed, whether it is conventionalKentucky Blue Grass seed or native seed, is sim-ilar. The installation of sod increases costs, asdoes the installation of plugs in natural land-scaping. The significant savings is in the cost ofinstalling an irrigation system, which is neces-sary for maintaining a conventional landscape.

Native plant installation costs can often bereduced where the project sponsor or co-spon-sor is a public or private entity with plant prop-agating capabilities. Volunteers are often willingto assist in the installation and maintenance ofnative landscapes, which further reduces costs.

A major savings of natural landscaping is thelower cost of landscape maintenance over thelong-term. The combined costs of installationand maintenance for natural landscape over aten year period may be one fifth of the costs forconventional landscape maintenance.

Native perennial plants are well adapted to thelocal soils and to environmental conditions,such as summer heat and drought. The costs ofthe following maintenance factors are signifi-cantly reduced or eliminated through naturallandscaping: labor, water, fertilizer, herbicides,insecticides, fungicides, replanting annual flow-ers, and mowing. In some locations the costs of

Prairie Phlox


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water for irrigation can be very high and areavoided by natural landscaping. The reducedconsumption of fossil fuel for lawn maintenanceequipment is an additional benefit. Typical orig-inal maintenance requirements of natural land-scapes involve annual mowing or burning andsome weed removal (mostly in the few yearsafter installation).

Appendix 8 contains detailed installation andmaintenance cost analyses based on the experi-ence of firms that design, install, and maintainnatural landscaping projects.

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In many locations, natural landscaping canaccommodate storm and flood waters, therebyreducing the need for expensive, “highly engi-neered” conveyance and detention facilities.Drainage swales in particular cost considerablyless to install than storm sewers. Where practi-cal, curbs and gutters can be eliminated, orcurbs can be slotted. To the extent that naturaldrainage measures can increase infiltration ofstormwater, they will reduce runoff volumesand costs of downstream conveyance and deten-tion structures.

Detention basins designed with natural land-scaping to resemble wetlands or natural lakesystems reduce costs over conventional basins.Native wetland and prairie vegetation eliminatethe need for expensive riprap stabilization andpaved low flow channels. Further, natural vege-

tation in detention basin bottoms and on sideslopes is less expensive to maintain than con-ventional turf landscaping, in addition to beinga more reliable soil stabilizer.

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High quality natural features such as river corri-dors and woodlands strengthen the identity of acommunity or neighborhood. Distinctive natu-ral landscaping that preserves the unique char-acteristics of a community is a unique communi-ty asset.

Real estate within a well-designed distinctivelandscape setting can possess a marketing edgeand positively affect property values. A com-munity that appears to care for a high qualityenvironment establishes a marketing niche thattraditional area developments cannot offer.

Natural landscaping projects require materials,labor and professional services that generateincome as well as enhance the environment.Nurseries, landscape architects, environmentalrestoration professionals, environmental groups,and neighborhood organizations are increasing-ly responding to the market for natural land-scaping materials and professional expertise.Some inner-city neighborhood organizations areconsidering the economic development potentialof cultivating native plants and seed productsfor environmental restoration projects. Sourcesfor natural landscaping materials must be frombusinesses rather than from the “wild.”

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There are many opportunities for creative entre-preneurs in all aspects of natural landscaping.

IIII.. EENVIRONMENTAL BBENEFITS

In many ways, natural landscaping reduces thestress that the “weed-free” lawn places on cleanair, clean water, soil stability and other environ-mental qualities of life. Natural landscapingattracts wildlife, such as butterflies and birds,thus increasing biodiversity.

The Biodiversity Recovery Plan, produced byChicago Wilderness, states that natural land-scaping is a way for landowners to increase bio-diversity on their property by creating habitatsfor many species, particularly on properties thatare adjacent to natural areas, streams, lakes orwetlands.

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Natural landscaping has distinct advantagesover conventional turf grasses in stabilizinghighly erodible soils. Native plants are particu-larly effective on steeply sloped sites, streambanks, and in areas where moving water is pres-ent. The roots of native prairie plants are verydense, fine, and often very deep (in some cases,5 to 10 feet in mature plants) and hold soil well.By contrast, typical turf grass root systems areonly four to six inches deep.

Wetland vegetation provides effective soil stabi-lization along streambanks and shorelines byabsorbing some of the erosive energy of flowingwater and waves.

Native vegetation is finding a new use in “bio-engineering” approaches to slope stabilization.

Deep root systems of native grasses and forbs. Note shal-low root system of conventional blue grass turf at far left.Drawing courtesy of Conservation Research Institute,Heidi Natura, 1995.


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C. strigosus Rattlesnake Master


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Demonstration projects for streambank andshoreline stabilization, such as along the SkokieRiver in the Chicago Botanic Garden, have suc-cessfully used native plants such as prairie cord-grass and various willow species.

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Native vegetation in naturalized drainage waysenhances the infiltration of contaminatedstormwater. The dense, deep root systems aug-ment the permeability of the soil and help theuptake of certain stormwater pollutants. Nativevegetation buffers are particularly effectivealong the edges of streams, lakes, and wetlands.They can intercept runoff and subsurface waterpollutants from urban and agricultural landuses and construction sites. Emergent and sub-merged wetland vegetation provides an addi-tional benefit along the edges of lakes andstreams by serving as a growing surface formicroorganisms. These microorganisms breakdown certain pollutants thereby reducing theirharmful effects.

An additional benefit of native vegetation land-scaping is its ability to thrive without fertilizers,or heavy use of pesticides and herbicides. Turfgrass and other conventional landscapes areheavily dependent on chemical applications,and the excess chemicals inevitably find theirway into our waterways where they causeexcessive plant growth and toxicity to fish andother aquatic organisms.

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Standard lawn maintenance equipment createssignificant amounts of air pollution. Equipmentsuch as lawn mowers , chain saws, leaf vacu-ums, and other fossil fueled lawn maintenanceequipment emit high levels of carbon monox-ide, hydrocarbons (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides(NOx), which contribute to the formation ofground level ozone (smog), toxins and otherparticulates. The USEPA estimates that a gaso-line powered lawn mower emits 11 times the airpollution of a new car for each hour of opera-tion. Gasoline lawn and power equipment, onaverage, produce 5 percent of “smog”- formingVOCs in nonattainment areas (such as thenortheastern Illinois region). Smog is a noxiousirritant which impairs lung function and inhibitsplant growth. In addition, the “driver” of suchequipment is typically positioned where expo-sure to such carbon monoxide and toxic emis-sions is greatest.

Small gasoline spills evaporate and pollute theair as well. The USEPA estimates that every

Drainage of a site through a natural system, rather thanthrough storm sewers, dramatically reduces pollution lev-els.


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summer, the few ounces spilled during eachrefueling of lawn and garden equipment addsup to 17,000,000 gallons of gasoline nationwide.

Natural landscaping can significantly reduce theneed for fossil fueled lawn and garden equip-ment and this reduces the associated air pollu-tion and health risks. In addition, the nativeplants themselves can help to improve air quali-ty by reducing particulates and gaseous air pol-lutants. The Clean Air Counts campaign statesthat for every 1,000 acres of natural landscaping,50 tons of VOCs and 5 tons of NOx are avoidedper year.

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Noise from lawn and gardening equipment hasbecome a source of increasing dissatisfaction insome communities. The installation of naturallandscaping reduces the use of this equipment.

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Trees and other vegetation benefit the climate onthree levels: human comfort, energy conserva-tion, and urban climates.

Human comfort

Plants intercept infrared radiation directly byproviding shade and indirectly by covering sur-faces that reflect or reradiate solar energy. Treesand shrubs can channel air movement. Movingair feels cooler. In the winter, windbreaks reducethe wind chill factor.

Energy Conservation

Windbreaks on the north and west sides ofbuildings reduce winter heating costs. In thesummer, trees and other vegetation make non-air-conditioned buildings more comfortable andreduce energy costs for air-conditioned build-ings.

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Natural vegetation can help to combat globalclimate change (the “greenhouse effect”) byremoving carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmos-phere. Plants remove CO2 from the atmosphereand store the carbon in the body of the plant,the root system and the soil.

Planting native plants can facilitate this CO2removal. The soils beneath the tallgrass prairiecan contain an immense amount of organic mat-ter and nitrogen. Studies have indicated thattemperate prairie grasslands are superior soilcarbon sinks when compared to forests of simi-lar climate. It is the combination of fire, plants,

Planting of vegetation improves climatological conditions.


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root depth distributions and microbes that pro-duce the large amount of soil carbon.

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Due to extensive urban and agricultural devel-opment, high quality natural communities coveronly .07% of Illinois’ land and water, accordingto the Illinois Natural Areas Inventory. With thedecrease in habitats, many plants and animalshave lost the special conditions and require-ments they need for their survival.

Natural landscaping plays a part in attractingnative animals and re-establishing the naturalcycles within which they thrive. In addition,natural landscaping can be used to createbuffers which reduce urban stresses and prox-imity of exotic species to high quality naturalareas.

When a site is adjacent to a natural area, specialcare must be taken when considering plantselection. Certain plant species can become inva-sive and disturb the natural area. It is advisableto treat the landscaped area as an extension ofthe natural area.

Native insects, including butterflies and moths,attract a wide array of songbirds, who eat theinsects and the plant seeds. If a restored prairieis large enough, it might attract nesting grass-land birds such as meadowlarks and bobolinks,birds whose habitat is decreasing in most partsof their range in the state. The degree of habitatvalue in natural landscaping depends on many

factors relating to the ability of a site to providethe conditions required by specific plant andanimal species. Site planning for natural land-scaping should strive to preserve existingwildlife habitats.

As part of planning natural landscaping, it isdesirable to complete an inventory of plant andanimal species currently using the site be taken.Where desirable species are already using thesite for nesting, phasing in a project by keepingenough habitat to protect those species shouldbe considered before forging ahead withreplanting the entire site.

Canada geese have become pests in many cityand suburban locations where there are turfgrass lawns in proximity to open water. A bufferof thick and tall native plantings around thewaterbody will discourage geese from grazing,especially during the growing season when theplants are taller.

Conservation buffers can help protect wildlife habitatin a development. (Shaw, et. al., 1986.)

BBeeaauuttiiffiiccaattiioonn

Though it is difficult to quantify, beautificationis an important reason, sometimes the funda-mental reason, for natural landscaping. Manypeople living or working in natural landscapesappreciate the various textures, colors andshapes of native plants and the dramatic pro-gression of hues throughout the seasons.Wildlife, especially the birds and butterfliesattracted to the plants, also enhance the aesthet-ic appeal of natural landscaping.

IIIIII.. EEDUCATIONAL AND RRECREATIONAL BBENEFITS

There is an old saying:

“People will only conserve what they love; that theywill only love what they understand; and they willonly understand what they are taught.”

Natural landscaping may not be the only way todemonstrate this old adage, but it is a powerfulinstrument in our tool kit for the future.

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Natural landscaping puts people in touch with avariety of beautiful plants, and native plantingsenhance the sense of being in a unique and spe-cial place. This familiarity can strengthen com-munity support for habitat preservation andrestoration, environmental protection, and openspace acquisition.

Municipalities, school districts, park districts,

and forest preserve districts are critical entitiesfor bringing natural landscaping into the publiceye. This can be done through educational pro-grams such as nature walks and talks, exhibits,and volunteer days sponsored by the aboveorganizations. These opportunities provide pos-itive examples of public land management andincrease the awareness and understanding ofthe public about the community which theyreside.

PPaassssiivvee rreeccrreeaattiioonn ooppppoorrttuunniittiieess

Natural landscapes provide recreational oppor-tunities such as bird watching and photography.The diverse colors, shapes, sounds, textures,odors, and tastes found in the natural environ-ment provide the observer with sensory experi-ences not found in more sterile, traditional land-scapes. Nature offers both tranquility andexcitement. It can serve as a place to relax, aplace of diversity and excitement. Incorporatingnative landscaping throughout the communityoffers the opportunity for children to experienceand learn from nature in their own yard and


20

community.

EEnnhhaanncceedd rreeggiioonnaall rreeccrreeaattiioonnaall ccoorrrriiddoorrss

Popular recreational activities such as walking,running, bicycling and skating are increasinglyaccommodated by local and regional trails andgreenways. Natural landscaping in greenwayscan help create new attractive recreation areas,rejuvenate others, and provide connecting corri-dors.

SScciieennttiiffiicc SSttuuddyy

Natural landscapes provide scientists (and ama-teur observers) with numerous opportunities forstudy. Research can lead to improved propaga-tion techniques in urban settings and improvedavailability of plant materials. Scientific studycan assess the impacts of urban development onnative species and the benefits of introducingnative species on plant, animal and human com-munities. Natural greenways provide opportu-

nities for grade school, high school, and com-munity college students to study nature andcarry out their own research close to home.


21

Photo courtesy of the Lake County Forest PreserveDistrict

Source: Adapted from “To Mow or Grow” by BretRappaport in Wildflower, Spring 1996.

FICTION AND FACT ABOUT NATURAL LANDSCAPES

Fiction: They attract rats.Fact: Rats are not attracted to natural landscapes.They live primarily in man-made structures andeat garbage.

Fiction: They breed mosquitoes.Fact: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Prairies& other natural landscapes absorb more waterthan conventional lawn, thereby reducing theamount of runoff & standing water. Natural land-scapes also increase the populations of mosquitopredators, such as birds.

Fiction: They present a fire hazard.Fact: Properly managed natural landscapes do notpresent more of a fire hazard than any other typeof landscape.

Fiction: They increase pollen & hay fever.Fact: All flowering plants produce pollen. Themost offensive allergens are ragweeds, not plantslike goldenrod which are often used in naturalplantings.

Fiction: They lower property values.Fact: Property values are a function of public per-ception. As natural landscaping has become moreaccepted, and where it is done well, it is seen asan asset.


22

For more information about greenways:

Northeastern Illinois Regional Greenways Plan.Northeastern Illinois PlanningCommission/Openlands Project: 1992. UpdatedJune 1997.

For more information about biodiversity:

The Biodiversity Recovery Plan. ChicagoWilderness: 1999. Available at

http://www.chicagowilderness.org/pubprod/brp/index.cfm


23

CCHHAAPPTTEERR 33:: WWHHAATT

AARREE TTHHEE PPOOTTEENNTTIIAALL

RROOLLEESS FFOORR LLOOCCAALL

GGOOVVEERRNNMMEENNTT??

I. Opportunities forGovernment Leadership

II. Regulatory Issues

The officials of local governments, includingcities and villages, counties, park districts, con-servation and forest preserve districts, and sani-tary and school districts can promote and bene-fit from the use of natural landscaping.

Local officials can play an important role in theencouragement of natural landscaping through-out northeastern Illinois by using such practiceson public lands, promoting natural landscapingthrough public policy, sponsoring demonstra-tion projects and educating the public on thebenefits of natural landscaping.

II.. WWHAT ARE THE OOPPORTUNITIES FOR GGOVERNMENT

LLEADERSHIP??

LLaannddssccaappee ppuubblliicc pprrooppeerrttiieess ““nnaattuurraallllyy””

Provide leadership by increasing the use of nat-ural landscaping on public properties, includingstreetscapes:

* Make someone on staff responsible for landscapeissues and provide training opportunities relat-ing to natural landscaping.

* Develop a multi-year program for retrofitting nat-ural landscaping on existing sites.

* Use in-house landscape staff or outside profes-sionals to develop plans for new and existingsites.

* Develop policies and specifications for new siteplanning to encourage the use of natural land-scaping.

* Utilize natural landscaping, especially to remedysituations where traditional turf landscaping iscausing difficulties (e.g., eroding gullies orstream channels).

DDeevveelloopp aa llooccaall ppoolliiccyy aanndd aa lleeggaall ffrraammeewwoorrkk

Adopt or modify local codes and ordinances inorder to facilitate the use of natural landscapingon private property. Modify municipal proce-dures (e.g., planning, public works, public safe-ty, recreation) to accommodate natural land-scaping:

* Review and amend or replace the local weedordinance so that it encourages natural land-scaping.

* Adopt a natural landscape ordinance.

* Amend subdivision regulations and other ordi-nances that govern landscaping of developmentsites in order to accommodate and encouragenatural landscaping. In particular, amenddrainage code language that mandates stormsewers to the exclusion of vegetated swales andfilter strips.

* Develop and adopt fire department proceduresfor permitting and overseeing prescribed burns

Nodding Wild Onion


24

of natural areas; inform the public of theserequirements.

* Include natural landscaping goals and policies incomprehensive plans.

* Designate greenways in comprehensive plans,land use plans and park plans.

* Require natural landscaping for stormwater facili-ties and stream, lake and wetland buffers.

PPrroommoottee ddeemmoonnssttrraattiioonn pprroojjeeccttss

Work with school districts, park districts, forestpreserve and conservation districts, state andfederal agencies, chambers of commerce, resi-dents and environmental groups to supportdemonstration projects and other educationalefforts that will encourage the use of naturallandscaping:

* Appoint a public/private task force or commis-sion to develop recommendations for furtheringhigher standards of landscaping within the com-munity.

* Promote lectures, slide shows, field trips, work-shops, exhibits and other special events that helpto educate all groups of citizens about naturallandscaping.

* Work with neighborhood groups to developguidelines that will promote distinctive land-scapes within selected neighborhoods.

PPrroovviiddee eedduuccaattiioonnaall mmaatteerriiaallss aanndd iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn

Inform the general public of the methods andbenefits of natural landscaping:

* Provide informative materials on natural land-scaping (including plant lists, answers to often

asked questions, and sources of other importantinformation); local libraries and park districtsare obvious providers of such information.

* Include articles on natural landscaping in thecommunity newsletter.

* Conduct a public relations program in conjunc-tion with natural landscaping on public proper-ty; this could involve local radio and TV stations,as well as the print media.

IIII.. WWHAT ARE THE RREGULATORY IISSUES??

WWeeeedd rreegguullaattiioonnss

Due to their competitive nature, “noxious” and“exotic” weeds can be a problem with respect topreserving and restoring native plants. “Exotic”is a term used to describe species that originatefrom a different geographic area. Some speciescan become invasive and spread throughout anarea, eliminating other species. Exotic speciesare especially prone to becoming invasive, sincethere are no natural predators or barriers to curbtheir growth.

States have established laws to control the fur-ther spread of some of these problem plants,and it is illegal for nurseries to sell many ofthem. Local extension services, arboretums, orlandscape professionals and naturalists areavailable to help identify any possible existinginvasive species, and make recommendationsfor removal.


25

Illinois Noxious Weed Law

The Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100/1)is intended to control weeds that are a problemto agriculture, and enforcement of the law isassigned to the Illinois Department ofAgriculture. The list of noxious weeds is deter-mined by Director of the Department ofAgriculture, the Dean of the College ofAgriculture of the University of Illinois, and theDirector of the Agricultural Experiment Stationat the University of Illinois.

The list of official noxious weeds, updated in2002, includes:

- marijuana - Canada thistle

- giant ragweed - perennial sow thistle

- common ragweed - musk thistle

- kudzu - perennial members of the sorghym genus

County boards are defined as the “controlauthorities” for weed control operating underrules established by the Department ofAgriculture. Land owners are responsible forcontrolling noxious weeds on their property.The control authority can issue notices for suchcontrol in order to require compliance.

Local officials could work with county govern-ment and the Illinois Department of Agriculturein identifying and eradicating infestations ofnoxious weeds. Volunteer stewards workingwith conservation organizations often haveexperience in the techniques for removing nox-

ious weeds.

Illinois Exotic Weed Act

Another law that addresses weeds is the IllinoisExotic Weed Act of 1972 (525 ILCS 10). This Acttries to avoid spreading non-native invasiveplants that degrade natural plant communities,reduce the value of fish and wildlife habitat, orthreaten Illinois endangered or threatenedspecies. The Act prohibits the buying, selling,distributing, or planting of seeds or plants ofdesignated exotic weeds.

Designated exotic weeds include:

- Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

- Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)

- Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

In 2003, the Illinois Exotic Weed Act was amend-ed to include kudzu and invasive species ofbuckthorn. The buckthorn species are commonbuckthorn, glossy buckthorn, dahurian buck-thorn, saw-toothed buckthorn, Japanese buck-thorn and Chinese buckthorn.

Similar laws exist in Wisconsin and Indiana.

A site plan for natural landscaping may necessi-tate the removal of both noxious and exoticweeds.

MMuunniicciippaall WWeeeedd OOrrddiinnaanncceess::

Municipal weed laws have sometimes becomethe “lightning rod” for controversy associated


26

with natural landscaping. Communities adoptweed laws in order to prevent unsightlinessfrom poor property maintenance and to preventhazards from vermin and fire, which werebelieved to be caused by unkempt vegetation.The drafting of such laws usually occurred priorto or without knowledge of natural plant com-munities. Weed laws, if not carefully worded,can equate natural landscaping with unman-aged landscapes. In fact, natural landscaping ismanaged and does not pose the hazards thatweed laws are intended to address.

Community and neighborhood sentimentregarding aesthetics and appearance has some-times led citizens to look to weed laws as a wayof opposing natural landscaping. Courts havedetermined that concerns about natural land-scapes, including vermin, fire hazards, mosqui-toes, and allergies are unfounded. A well-craftedordinance, coupled with public education illus-trating the benefits of natural landscaping,should be adequate to provide a local frame-work to support natural landscaping.

Municipalities have responded to the naturallandscaping movement and weed laws in vari-ous ways.

PPeerrmmiissssiivvee AApppprrooaacchh

Madison, Wisconsin was among the first com-munities to encourage natural landscaping bytaking a permitting approach. The ordinancerequires homeowners to file an application fornatural landscaping and obtain approval from a

majority of neighbors.

IImmpprroovveedd WWeeeedd LLaawwss

More recently enacted weed laws allow naturallandscaping “by right” without case by caseneighbor or city permission. There are threemain approaches to crafting or modifying aweed law:

* Require a setback.

* Include broadly worded exceptions for nat-ural landscaping.

* Encourage natural landscaping.

Require a setback - Weed laws have traditional-ly regulated height. For example, weedsexceeding 10 inches in height may not be per-mitted. The newer and more sophisticatedweed laws address the appearance issue byrequiring that a setback or buffer strip on theperiphery of the property be maintained at amaximum height (such as 12 inches). Vegetationbehind the setback and within the yard is unreg-ulated except for control of listed noxiousweeds.

Setback distances depend on the type of com-munity and size of the typical lot. Communitieswith homes on large lots could have as much asa twenty-foot setback, while in towns withsmaller lots, a two- or three-foot setback wouldbe more suitable.

Setback laws have several advantages and rep-resent a workable compromise between thesometimes diverse interests of the village, natu-


27

ral landscapers and neighbors. Primarily, set-back ordinances allow for the unregulatedgrowing of vegetation on a majority of the lot.Like a frame around an abstract painting, thesetback around the perimeter of a natural areacreates a tended look that satisfies neighbor andvillage concerns of conformity and aesthetics.The yard takes on its intended look. A setbackalso solves the practical problems caused bylarge plants and grasses lopping over intoneighbor yards or across sidewalks. The setbackordinances are also easy to understand andenforce. Both the village and the natural land-scaper benefit from a clear and simple law.Neighbor complaints are generally satisfied bysuch compromise and living in a communitymakes compromise essential.

A reasonable exception to setback requirementsis where adjacent landowners mutually agree tocontinuous natural landscaping across adjacentproperty lines.

Include broadly worded exceptions in theweed ordinance for beneficial landscapes -These exceptions may include the following:

Native plantings - the use of native plant speciesfor aesthetic and/or wildlife reasons

Wildlife plantings -the use of native and/or intro-duced plant species to attract and aid wildlife

Erosion control - to offset and control any soilloss problems both occurring and predicted.

Soil fertility building - the enrichment and even-

tual stabilization of soil fertility through the useof various plant species.

Governmental programs - any federal, state orlocal programs which require the unimpairedgrowth of plants during a majority or all of thegrowing season.

Educational programs - any areas designated foreducational studies.

Cultivation - any plant species or group of plantspecies native or introduced and grown for con-sumption, pleasure or business reasons.

Biological control - the planting of a particularplant species or group of species which willeffectively out-compete and replace a noxious ortroublesome weed species without additionalsoil disturbance of the site.

Parks and open space - any and all public parksand open space lands whether under the juris-diction of federal, state, or local agencies includ-ing private conservation/preservation organiza-tions.

Stormwater Control – the use of natural landscap-ing to convey and store stormwater run-off.

Wooded areas - all areas that are predominantlywooded.

Encourage natural landscaping - This approachpromotes the use of natural landscaping in itsbroadest sense.

Long Grove, Illinois is a good example of a com-

munity that embodies this policy. Long Grovehas no law regulating vegetation height. The vil-lage requires developers to include scenic ease-ments, at least one hundred feet deep and plant-ed with native plants, wildflowers and grassesbetween the homes and major streets in theirsubdivisions. Large portions of the town aredesignated natural areas as determined by a sci-entific ecological survey. Long Grove employs anaturalist to advise developers and homeownerson how to cultivate and maintain natural land-scapes. Long Grove sells native plants and seedmixes to residents and has a committee thatreviews prairie restoration projects within thevillage.

Schaumburg, Illinois, created its own biodiversi-ty recovery plan for the village. To implementthe plan, the Board amended the municipalcode with an ordinance for biodiversity regula-tions. The ordinance requires environmentallybeneficial landscaping and sustainable develop-ment practices.

Fort Collins, Colorado employs a full timewildlife biologist and has a ten acre nature pre-serve in the heart of downtown on land thatused to be a formal park. There is a city pro-gram to identify and certify homeowner’s back-yard wildlife habitats. To receive this certifica-tion, homeowners must let nature reclaim theirnon-native lawns. Hundred of citizens partici-pate in the program.

There are many variations that can be devel-oped to respond to local conditions. A commu-

nity may want to try a pilot program directedwithin a selected neighborhood, pertaining toparticular land uses such as campus-style uses,or targeted towards less visible locations onsites. See Appendix 6 for additional informa-tion and sample ordinance language.

(This section draws heavily from the John MarshallLaw Review, Volume 26, Number 4, Summer 1993,written by Bret Rappaport.)


28

For more information about updating local ordi-nances:

Conservation Design Resource Manual,Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission:2003.

Available athttp://www.chicagowilderness.org/pubprod/miscpdf/CD_Resource_Manual.pdf

Black Oak

CCHHAAPPTTEERR 44:: TTHHEE

““HHOOWW TTOO”” OOFF NNAATTUURR-

AALL LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG

I. Ethics of Using NativePlants

II. Developing an Approach

III. Natural Landscaping on aSmall Scale

IV. Natural Landscaping on a Large Scale

V. Considerations for Installation

VI. Savanna and Woodlands

VII. Wetland and Lakeshore Stream Habitats

VIII. Natural Landscaping for StormwaterManagement

Designing, installing and managing naturallandscaping projects will vary in complexity andapproach depending upon the nature of the siteand the project goals. There are differentdegrees of natural landscaping, ranging all theway from a small native flower patch, to a full-scale replication of a plant community coveringmany acres. An otherwise traditionally land-scaped site may be installed with a “natural”stormwater pond with a fringe of native wet-land plants and upland buffer to trap sediment.

Larger projects have the most at stake, financial-ly and visually. They require a detailed andtechnical planning process. Some examples of

larger scale projects include corporate campus-es, university lands and large community parks.

II.. EETHICS OF UUSING NNATIVE PPLANTS

Regardless of the scope or goals of your project,an important ethical consideration is the acquisi-tion seeds or plugs from a reputable supplier. Itis inappropriate for amateur gardeners or pro-fessionals to collect seeds or plants from “thewild,” except by permission of the owner or aspart of a restoration program.

Collection of too many plants or seeds can seri-ously reduce the ability of the plundered site toreplenish itself. Seed collecting ethics are rigor-ously followed by volunteer groups workingwith forest preserve districts, owners of naturalsites, and professionals in the nursery business.

IIII.. DDEVELOPING AN AAPPROACH

Planning, even if informal, is a fundamentalingredient for a successful natural landscapingproject. The greater the ambition or the shorterthe timetable, the more planning and technicalexpertise will be required. A starting point forany natural landscaping project is to analyze thecurrent amenities, opportunities and limitationsof your site and articulate reasonable goals.

A basic underpinning for any natural landscap-ing project would be an understanding of cur-rent soil conditions. This knowledge will assistyou with your decision about what you can


29

Arrowhead


30

plant where, since soil conditions can vary dra-matically across a site. Some plants thrive indry soil conditions, and others require wet soilconditions in order to thrive. A soil scientist,such as your local agent from the U.S.Department of Agriculture’s Natural ResourcesConservation Service (formerly the SoilConservation Service) can tell you the type ofsoil that you have and the kind of material fromwhich it was derived. The more a project is ori-ented towards restoration, the more it must takefactors such as particular soil conditions intoaccount.

Prairie, woodland/savanna, and wetland/ripari-an projects have different requirements and willbe treated separately in this chapter, althoughall could exist on one site. In addition, this chap-ter will discuss how to address stormwatermanagement using natural landscaping inte-grated into a project’s overall design.

The complexity of any natural landscaping proj-ect will be determined by a variety of considera-tions.

* Is this a small scale project with very limitedbudget and limited access to technical services?Or is it a large, well-funded project intended toachieve complex ecological restoration objec-tives?

* Do you know your soil types, the kind of vege-tative community that is appropriate for yoursite, and your growing season sun and shadepatterns?

* Does the vision for the project require the use ofplants that are “fussy” about soil, drainage andother conditions? If so, prudence might dictate a

look at alternative plants.

* Are professional assistance and field labor avail-able at appropriate skill levels to undertake andmaintain a complex project?

* What sources of labor are available for installa-tion and follow-up stewardship?

* What are the local government regulationsaffecting the use and ongoing management ofnatural landscaping? Regulations may affect thelocation of natural landscaping on the site andthe types of plants used. You need to know localweed ordinances and/or fire regulations beforeproceeding.

* What is the project’s relationship to adjacentproperties? Being a good neighbor is important,so a consideration of adjacent land uses is criti-cal. Natural landscaping adjacent to existing nat-ural open space is obviously much easier thanthe first introduction into a conventional turfsubdivision. Educating adjacent landownersprior to installation is a valuable endeavor.Taking the longer view and adopting a willing-ness to phase in a project over a few years mightbe the pragmatic thing to do. It is quite possible,however, that the newly natural landscape willbe so attractive that adjacent property ownerswill want to follow suit.

* Do any nearby or adjacent ecological restorationprojects suggest a rationale for installing naturallandscaping or have a physical linkage?

IIIII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING ON A SSMALL SSCALE

Many homeowners are looking for an alterna-tive to the continuing efforts necessary to main-tain the bluegrass lawn. They are particularlyuncomfortable with the application of costlychemical herbicides and fertilizers. The shift to amore natural, environmentally friendly yard


31

with groundcovers, shrubs, grasses and colorfulforbs is an inviting alternative.

Individuals about to undertake the transition ofa turf lawn to a natural landscape will findmany helpful resource books in libraries and inlarger or specialty bookstores. In addition, localrestoration organizations such as the NorthBranch Restoration Project in the Chicagoregion, regional nurseries devoted exclusively tonative stock, local nurseries that are enlargingtheir selection of native plants, and professionallandscape architects who “design with nature”will readily share their knowledge.

Homeowners can volunteer with restorationorganizations to grow native plants in theiryards and harvest them, and beautify theiryards in the process. It is important, however,that plants producing seeds intended forrestoration grow in separate areas from thosepurchased at nurseries, because it is necessary tokeep the native stock to be used for restoration“pure.”

Homeowners and owners of small sites whoenjoy “digging in the dirt” may find the gradualapproach to converting their lawns a less expen-sive alternative than a one-time project using aprofessional designer and installer. With thisgradual approach comes the delight of experi-mentation with plants and their habitats. Inaddition, the maturing converted gardens canserve as plant nurseries for newly dug beds.Plants will teach the gardener where they like togrow and will relocate themselves over the

years according to changing conditions of sunand shade. An ecologist who has tended a natu-ral garden in Park Ridge for over 30 years findsthat a garden flows like a river; it is ever-chang-ing.

In the natural perennial garden, treasured senti-mental favorites, even exotics, can thrive inter-mixed with native plants to create an aestheti-cally and personally rewarding landscape.Gardeners can even try incorporating foodplants, such as herbs and tomatoes. They canalso create a “rain garden” by directing theirdownspout to a depression planted with nativewetland plants.

It is tempting to begin with quick-spreadingground covers and perennials in order to makea beautiful display at the start and prevent soilerosion. Showy plants such as the exotic, early-blooming dame’s rocket, and later-bloomingnative black-eyed susans and purple coneflow-ers can be used to brighten a garden reliably inits first year. However, it is important to avoidthe trap of starting with extremely aggressiveperennials and groundcovers that will thenrequire much time and effort to dislodge.

In the first year, generous mulching will keepprecious water in the soil and deter weeds anderosion. Eventually, the native flowers andgrasses should outcompete the non-natives,which are not so well adapted to the Midwestclimate.


32

IIVV.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING ON A LLARGE SSCALE

Natural landscaping on medium to larger sitesrequires considerable advance planning becauseof the size of the initial investment and the costimplications of making serious mistakes. A rig-orous program would include the followingtasks, undertaken with the assistance of a quali-fied professional:

* inventory ecological resources, current site condi-tions and potential for restoration;

* study site history and review technical literature;

* develop goals and objectives for the overall proj-ect (and subareas of the site, as appropriate)

* develop a plan (site design, installation, and

management) to accomplish the goals and objec-tives;

* design a monitoring program to assess projectperformance;

* implement the project (installation on the site);

* manage the project;

* evaluate the project and report on its progress.

Reputable and experienced guidance is the bestinsurance for a successful restoration program,whether from a staff manager, consulting ecolo-gist, or other source.

VV.. CCONSIDERATIONS FOR IINSTALLATION

PPrraaiirriiee VVeeggeettaattiioonn

Prairies are open “grasslands”which are fire-cli-max communities. Historically, whether fireswere started by lightning or by man, they beatback any trees and large shrubs which tried togrow and kept them at a low shrubby stage.

Prairies are dominated by perennial grasses andforbs. Soil type and hydrology are probably theprimary determinants of different species com-position on the prairie.

SSiittee pprreeppaarraattiioonn:: rreemmoovvaall ooff eexxiissttiinngg uunnddeessiirraabbllee

vveeggeettaattiioonn

The primary methods of preparing the siteinclude: burning, baking under black plastic,herbicides, tillage, and removal by hand. Localconditions and personnel considerations maycall for flexibility and creative approaches. Site


33

conditions throughout the region have been sodisturbed that successful approaches on onesite, or one portion of a site, may not work onothers.

Often techniques are used in combination. Forsmall areas where appearance is not a factor,covering an area with black plastic for a grow-ing season is a very environmentally safemethod of killing turfgrass and other vegetation.This is not as practical with large sites. Hereherbicide treatments may need to be conductedtwice: once following an initial burn to removelitter and duff, and then several weeks later toeliminate any germinating or resprouting unde-sirable plants. Use a low toxicity, non-persistentherbicide.

Burning can occur early in the season at a timeof low moisture. Tilling can occur as soon assoils thaw in the spring. It makes strategicsense to till after existing vegetation has germi-nated or sprouted in order to expose it to thestress effects of tilling and warmer weather.

Tillage can bring weed seeds to the soil’s surfaceand create a longer-term weed problem. Wheretillage is used, carefully timed repetition overseveral months, or even for an entire growingseason, has been used to control weeds. Covercrops may be used in-between tillage events tostabilize soils. Cover crops can include annualrye grass, barley, oats, and other annual speciesthat grow quickly.

SSiittee pprreeppaarraattiioonn aanndd ccoonnttrrooll ooff wweeeeddss aarree tthheemmoosstt iimmppoorrttaanntt sstteeppss iinn tthhee rreessttoorraattiioonn pprroocceessss..

Procuring seeds and plants:

Seeds and plants can be acquired from manyspecialized nurseries. (See Appendix 4.) It ismost desirable to use local genetic stock fromseed collected and propagated within a 150-200mile radius. (Some restorationists recommend a15 mile maximum radius.) The seed should becleaned, should meet high quality seed testrequirements, and should be accurately labeled.Locally collected seeds are also useful, (noteethics discussion earlier), but quality controlmay be a problem if the seeds are not cleanedand tested. More than one project has failed orbeen seriously delayed because of poor qualityseed. Seeds are most economical for larger proj-ects, while plants provide quicker results at ahigher cost. A larger project can include strategi-cally placed plantings in combination with larg-er seeded areas.

Highest priority should be given to creating amatrix of native grasses. Prairie forbs can beinstalled with the prairie grasses or introducedlater. Some restorationists introduce specialblends of pioneer grasses and forbs at the begin-

Butterfly Weed Purple Prairie Clover Coneflower


34

ning and add carefully chosen matrices of moreconservative plants over the years as the prairiematures. One common strategy is to includevery colorful prairie plants such as black-eyedsusans in the beginning. These may be shortlived but will provide a highly visible, colorfuland very positive initial impression.

Planting:

Planting is largely a late fall or early springactivity. Planting in very hot and dry summerconditions may delay germination and growthor require irrigation. Irrigation of seeded areas,however, is usually not mandatory as nativespecies will usually germinate when conditionsare most appropriate. However, as with anyplanting, watering may be necessary to help aplanting that has already germinated but is inearly vulnerable growth stages when a droughtor heat wave begins. An effective mulching sys-tem can usually address moisture retention andgreatly help a young planting. As with anylarge scale agricultural activity, however naturecan wreak havoc on even the best planned proj-ect.

Sowing can be accomplished by use of tractorsand appropriate drills or broadcasters on largerprojects while hand broadcasting can often beused in smaller projects. Native plants areinstalled the same way as any other potted orbare root stock by digging a hole large enoughso it will not constrict root systems. Mulching isoften necessary to ameliorate soil and moistureconditions and ensure successful seed germina-

tion and early growth. Straw, mulches, or alter-natively, cover crops including oats, barley, etc.,can be seeded simultaneously with the prairieseeds and plants to provide protection againsterosion and desiccation, and also to control sub-sequent weed germination. Cover crop seedingrates should be light to moderate so they do notcompete with developing seedlings.

The cost of installation can be reduced by usingvolunteers who are often eager to be stewardsand learn about natural landscaping.

Initial management:

After cover crops (and some inevitable weeds)reach a height of 1-2 feet, usually by late June ofthe first year of planting, mow the planting to aheight of no lower than 6-8 inches. Use a rotarymower that does not leave thick mats of clip-pings, which smother young prairie seedlings.Noxious weeds such as thistles may need extraattention. Hand removal or direct applicationby wick treatment with herbicides may be suffi-cient.

Follow-up maintenance:

Occasional mowing may be necessary for 2-3years to keep weeds down and prevent themfrom suppressing young prairie plants. There isno prescribed season or number of times formowing, but weather will be an important fac-tor in growth of the newly planted prairie andwill affect the mowing schedule. The services ofa qualified professional will be invaluable indecision making about maintenance during the


35

first years. In the spring following the first yearof planting, prescribed burning can be used tobegin the maintenance process. Noxious weedmanagement may also be needed at this time.

Routine maintenance will primarily involve useof prescribed burning. Prescribed burns can beconducted anytime plant fuel is combustible.However, late spring and early to mid-summerburns, alternated with fall burns, have been veryuseful. Do not be reluctant to burn annually ifnecessary to accelerate the rate of performanceof the prairie during the first 4-6 years.

What to expect for the first 5 years

Expect cover crops and weeds during years 1-3as the prevailing vegetation. Usually, in years 3-5, native grasses and a series of early succession-al native flowers (e.g., black-eyed susan and yel-low coneflower) will dominate. Depending onthe species mix, prairie restorations usuallybecome better, more diverse, and more aestheticwith time. Uniform mowing maintenance asdescribed above not only helps the prairiedevelop but also improves public relations dur-ing the first couple of years of establishment.

Strategies for Being a Good Neighbor withNatural Landscaping:

Conflicts with neighbors can be avoided by fol-lowing a few simple rules:

1. Create a border of lawn, hedge, fence,path, etc. to frame the natural landscape.

2. Recognize the rights of property ownersto be different; don’t be arrogant about yournative plantings.

3. Advertise by educating neighbors aboutwhat to expect before you start your proj-ect.

4. Start small to develop your learningcurve and minimize the rate of change forneighbors.

5. Humanize your landscape with humantouches, such as places to sit, bird houses,etc. in order to maximize enjoyment andlink people with the landscape.

Adapted from: To Mow or Grow,” by Bret Rappaport inWildflower, Spring, 1996.

Spotted Joe Pye Weed Purple Joe Pye Weed


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37

VVII.. SSAVANNA AND WWOODLANDS

Woodlands are a major component of theregion’s natural environment. They originallyexisted in upland areas in a delicate, see-sawrelationship with prairies, and in lowland areasas well. Their location and density dependedlargely upon climate changes. The Chicago met-ropolitan area is world renowned for its oaksavannas, an open woodland form dominatedby oak species such as burr oak.

Dense oak/elm/ash/maple “big woods” con-tained many fire-intolerant fast-growing treespecies with thin bark. This “forest” communityprobably experienced fire much less often than“oak openings,” whose dominant oak tree hasthick, fire-resistant bark. Both woodland typesshare many, but not all, of the same understoryplants.

There is considerable academic interest anddebate regarding the historical predominance ofoak woodlands and relationships with other for-est trees such as maple, hickory and elm. Thenatural transition from one type of vegetation toanother in a woodland and in the transitionzone between woodland and prairie and savan-na is also still being studied.

Much of the remaining oak woodland has beenincluded within the holdings of the forest pre-serve districts. Other woodlands have becomehighly desirable locations for subdivisions andestate homes. Oak woodland and conventionalturf-dominated landscaping are not compatible,

however. In our region the cultivation of turfgrass under established oaks, and the soil com-paction which accompanies it, results in theslow, but certain, demise of the oak. Therefore,remaining oak groves should be protected andrestored. Landowners might even want to begina woodland “from scratch.” The process ofwoodland restoration is even less well under-stood and defined than prairie restoration, yetthis should not deter the property owner frombeginning to grow woodland plants and work-ing towards re-establishing healthy ecosystems.

Installation

Creating a woodland “from scratch” is a long-term, if not multi-generational project. The timerequired for the maturing of trees, creation ofmore natural woodland soil conditions, etc.requires patience and vision on the part of theproject sponsor. The effect can be enhancedthrough the strategic introduction of some fastergrowing but short-lived trees, which can jumpstart the creation of shaded conditions to sup-port woodland understory vegetation and soilbuilding. These will be replaced later by matur-ing, oaks, maples, or other species, dependingon the type of woodland you are building.

Existing savannas and woodlands throughoutthe region are often seriously degraded anddominated by such plants as European buck-thorn and garlic mustard. Thus, natural land-scaping often means taking a highly degradedexisting forest remnant, eliminating exoticspecies and re-introducing species that have


38

been eliminated.

Oak trees of any species often do not reproducein their own shade and need openings forsprouting and maturing. Also, ground cover isshade suppressed by European buckthorn andother nonnative and native shrubs and trees. Tocreate the conditions for oak regeneration andthe growth of savanna grasses and forbs, bothnative and nonnative shrubs need to bereduced. The procedure should include manualor machine cutting and treatment of stumpswith an herbicide to prevent re-sprouting.

The follow-up can be a wait-and-see-what-comes-up strategy, or the introduction of seedsand plants. Seedbank testing (placing soil sam-ples in a flat and seeing what germinates) willoften verify that native species are present andthat they will be stimulated to germinate byremoval of the shade suppressing shrubs andtrees. If the seed bank is depleted, seed pur-chase or local collection may be required. Usingthe same guidelines as for procurement of seedsfor prairies, appropriate species and quantitiesshould be installed.

Introduction of the herbaceous layer into awoodland or savanna can be by simple handbroadcasting, usually in late fall, winter, or earlyspring (mid- November through March). Inespecially bare soil areas that might be erosionprone, light raking of the soil surface mayaccomplish better seed incorporation requiredfor germination and minimize seed loss to ero-sion.

It should be noted that nurseries market non-native trees such as the Norway maple which,with its deep shade, self-propagating vigor andwidely-spreading surface roots, eliminate vege-tation underneath them. Maples in general havethis effect but some of the cultivars are a partic-ular problem and should be avoided. Lack oflight beneath them will retard the growth of theunderstory and promote erosion, loss of topsoiland nutrients.

Certain profusely growing, “weedy” nativetrees, such as box elder, are often considered adetriment to regeneration of desirable plantsand are removed. These trees are often valuedby the public which often doesn’t distinguishamong species and which values vegetationlargely for scenic buffering and wildlife purpos-es. Therefore, removal of vegetation should beapproached carefully with a regard for adjacentproperty owners. Education, evaluation of theneed for removal, and the phasing of projectcomponents can help alleviate problems.

Persimmon Woods, St. Charles, IL


39

Initial management and follow up

In a woodland or savanna, other than spotremoval of noxious weeds (e.g., garlic mustard,Canada thistle and re-sprouting buckthorn, pre-scribed burning is both the initial and long-termmanagement and maintenance tool. Initially,prescribed burns should be light ground fires.

There are different professional opinions as towhether spring or fall is the best time to burn.The timing of burns can be varied, however, andthe results monitored. Often a late spring date(mid April - mid May) is most effective at con-trolling the noxious weeds that have alreadyleafed out and have minimal root energyreserves. Thus, burning at this time is moststressing to them. There is a perceived conflictwith burning at this time; spring ephemeralplants (e.g., trout lilies, spring beauties, mayap-ples and trillium) are often in bloom. Burningwill of course initially set these species back.However, most will immediately re-grow, andall will bloom the following year with apparentindifference to fire. A burn plan can divide theproject into thirds. Subsequent burn rotationsevery third year will provide cover for wildlifeescaping the fire.

Expectations for the first five years

Savanna and woodland sites with an intact seedbank will respond very quickly to management.A lush native grass, sedge and wildflower coveris the ultimate goal in conjunction with regener-ating oaks, hickories, and other native trees and

shrubs. In most degraded sites, all native treesare of a single age; expect saplings, young andmiddle age trees in the future rather than justthe older existing trees. These varying age class-es will scatter throughout and contribute to aparkland aspect as times goes on.

Repeated removal of re-sprouting buckthornand other undesirable shrubs and trees shouldbe expected management challenges during thefirst five years. Once a ground cover sedge andgrass layer is present, the aesthetic will increasesubstantially, and the management requirementswill diminish.

VVIIII.. WWETLAND,, SSTREAM AND LLAKESHORE HHABITATS

Wetlands, streams and lakes can be importantamenities on a development site. Waterfront (orriparian) property, in particular, can substantial-ly enhance real estate values. Natural landscap-ing is particularly applicable in the vicinity ofwetlands and waterbodies for the following rea-sons: 1) Natural landscaping can enhancedegraded conditions which commonly existprior to development; 2) Natural landscapingcan protect existing high quality wetland andwater amenities; 3) Natural landscaping tech-niques can be used to “fix” problems in theseareas (e.g., shoreline erosion) more cost effec-tively than conventional approaches. Each ofthese natural landscaping opportunities is dis-cussed in the following pages.


40

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llaannddss aanndd rriippaarriiaann zzoonneess

Over time, many of our wetland, streamside,and lake shore environments have becomedegraded by human-induced disturbanceswhich not only affect their natural functions butalso reduce their aesthetic value. One such dis-turbance is the introduction of invasive non-native plants, including reed canary grass, pur-ple loosestrife, European fragile willows, andbuckthorn. Such species reduce habitat value,contribute to an unkempt, weedy appearance,and obscure the waterbody from view. Wetlandsand waterbodies also may be disturbed by landdevelopment activities in adjacent areas and inupland areas within the watershed. These dis-turbances, resulting in sediment deposition,nutrient enrichment, and increased stormwaterflows, present a landscaping challenge in wet-land and riparian environments.

Natural landscaping to enhance degraded con-ditions in wetlands and riparian environmentsshould focus on two zones.

Upland transitional zone

Land that is adjacent to the normally wet orinundated area is a critical upland transitionalzone. This transitional zone is extremely impor-tant to the health, function, and appearance ofthe wetland or waterbody. Natural landscapingin this transitional zone should be based on thesame principles and techniques previouslydescribed for prairies and savanna/woodlands.

An assessment of early surveyors’ data may pro-vide a good indication of the type of plant com-munity to strive for in this zone.

While description of the techniques for prairieand savanna/woodland landscaping will not berepeated here, one particular consideration isworth mentioning. Most of the existing streamand river environments in northeastern Illinoisbear little resemblance to the natural conditionswhich existed prior to settlement in the mid-1800’s. The typical stream is now densely tree-lined (commonly with European buckthorn, boxelder, and other invasive species). Not only dothese trees often completely obscure the streamfrom view, they also shade out understoryplants which are important for soil stabilization,pollutant filtering, and aquatic habitat. Part ofthe natural landscaping challenge in these areasis to develop acceptance of a new aesthetic forriparian areas and dispel the notion that theremoval or thinning of trees along streams isundesirable. Fortunately, there are some highvisibility restoration projects in the region,notably the Skokie River restoration at theChicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and the DesPlaines River Demonstration Project inWadsworth, which effectively convey the beautyand functionality of rivers meandering throughprairie and open savanna landscapes.

There are varying recommendations for thewidth of riparian buffer zones. Standardsadopted by some northeastern Illinois commu-nities range from about 25 to 50 feet on bothsides, although narrower widths may be appro-


41

priate adjacent to intermittent streams or smallwetlands. Buffers will be discussed at greaterlength later in this section.

Wetland/open water zone

Wetland and open water zones range from hav-ing saturated soil below the ground surface(such as in a wet meadow) to being completelyinundated with water (such as a lake shorelineor a streambank). These areas can support arange of wetland plant species ranging fromvarious sedges and shrubs which are intolerantof inundation, to emergent species, to sub-merged or floating leaved plants. Some of thebasic principles of wetland landscaping, such asthe importance of determining site history andprevious vegetation, are similar to prairie andwoodland principles, but many other factors areunique to wetlands.

The most important consideration in wetlandlandscaping is hydrology. Hydrology definesthe presence of water in a wetland, includingsuch factors as average and maximum depth,duration of inundation, and degree of soil satu-ration. Hydrology establishes the soil and plantconditions which distinguish different wetlandtype sand streambank and shoreline environ-ments.

It should be noted that certain types of activitiesin wetlands, lakes and streams require a Section404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.(The Corps’ Chicago District regulates activitiesin the six-county northeastern Illinois region.)

Regulated activities include filling, draining,and regrading. Most natural landscaping activi-ties which are limited to vegetation manage-ment are not subject to a Corps permit. If a per-mit is needed, formal wetland delineation alsowill be required and more explicit mitigationcriteria must be met. Wetland mitigation guid-ance is beyond the scope of this Source Book.You should check with the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, orNatural Resources Conservation Service todetermine possible permitting and mitigationrequirements. (See Appendix 4 for more infor-mation.) If the wetlands are designated as iso-lated, and are no longer protected by federalregulations, local governments—specificallycounty stormwater agencies—have or are devel-oping regulations for protection.

RReessttoorraattiioonn ooff ddeeggrraaddeedd ppllaanntt ccoommmmuunniittiieess

In dealing with existing wetlands with degrad-ed plant communities, reduction of nonnativevegetation can best be addressed by using thetechniques presented for prairie, savanna andwoodland systems. Once undesirable species areunder control, wetland enhancement mayrequire temporary cover crops, modest speciesenrichment, or in extreme cases, completereseeding or replanting. Most wetland siteshave a seedbank (both native and nonnative)that will respond once weeds are reduced.However, if deep sediment burial has occurred,seed banks may not be present. Understandingthe history of sediment burial is a key to deter-


42

mining the regenerative capability of the exist-ing site. In some cases, it may be desirable andfeasible to remove accumulated sediments toexpose the seedbank and to create depressionsand open water zones. This type of restorationcan enhance the aesthetics and marketability ofthe new development. (The project designer canfind assistance from the Natural ResourceConservation Service or a consulting wetland orsoil scientist regarding appropriate restorationtechniques.)

RReessttoorraattiioonn ooff ddrraaiinneedd wweettllaannddss

Another important consideration in wetlandlandscaping is an appreciation of the fact thatextensive draining of naturally wet (or hydric)soils was done to accommodate intensive agri-culture. Hydric soils are often found on farm-land that has been (or is about to be) convertedto urban uses. One of the simplest ways to “cre-ate” (or expand) a wetland landscape is to iden-tify the location of hydric soils and the presenceof drain tile systems or surface drainage ditches.Restoration of wetland hydrology can be accom-plished by breaking up or plugging the draintile or eliminating the ditch. This method is fair-ly reliable and is less expensive than excavatinga wetland depression. Good technical planningis essential so that neighboring properties arenot adversely affected with undesired nuisancewetness. Once the hydrology is restored, wet-land plants are likely to reappear. Supplementalseeding or planting may be appropriate ifgreater diversity is desired.

RReessttoorraattiioonn ooff cchhaannnneelliizzeedd ssttrreeaammss

A natural landscaping opportunity for streamcorridors is the restoration of meandered chan-nels to replace artificially straightened channels.There are numerous opportunities for this typeof restoration in northeastern Illinois since over40 percent of the existing stream miles havebeen straightened or ditched. Several recent resi-dential developments have incorporated streamchannel restoration into their site plans toenhance the aesthetics and marketability of theirprojects. Once the natural contours have beenrestored, native wetland and prairie plants areplanted on the streambanks to provide soil sta-bilization and aquatic habitat benefits.

EEnnhhaanncceemmeenntt ooff ssttrreeaammbbaannkkss aanndd llaakkee sshhoorreess

Natural landscaping of streambanks or lakeshores typically begins with the elimination ofinvasive overstory plants which shade outnative wetland species. In many cases, emer-gent wetland plants will then propagate on theirown. If not, planting of live plugs or tubers isrecommended. Native wetland and prairieplants are much more protective of waterbodyedges than conventional turf grass which isintolerant of extended inundation. While wet-land plants are expected in many streambankand lake shore settings, there are some locationswhere wetland plants will not grow. For exam-ple, rocky substrates or large river/lake systemswith large fluctuations in water levels may notsupport wetland plants.


43

An additional consideration for natural wetlandlandscaping, particularly near open water, is theneed to protect plantings from geese. If geeseare likely to be present, special “goose cages”should be provided to protect new plantings.Once the plantings are well established, theywill be able to withstand predation.

Plant species selection

Selection of plants for wetland, streambank, andlake shore zones is closely tied to the hydrologyof the site, particularly water depths and flooddurations. Other factors such as shading andwater clarity also must be taken into account.Planting in open water areas typically involvesthe use of tubers, plugs, and potted plants.Planting in non-ponded wetland zones ofteninvolves both seeds and live plants. You need to

learn your plants and their hydrologic and soilrequirements to choose species that will work.Field tests may be useful for delineating plant-ing zones on a site which contains a range ofwetness regimes.

It is important to get a desirable mix, or diversi-ty, of wetland plants and not a monotypic standof reed or cattails. Certain aggressive specieswhich are very easy to establish, such as non-native reed canary grass, should not be planted.Extremely aggressive wetland plants will out-compete and eventually dominate less robustcolonizers. (See Appendix 3 for plant lists andother sources of information.)

Initial and long-term management and maintenance

Noxious weed control is needed in wetlandareas, as in other natural landscapes. Prescribedburning is a commonly used technique for wet-lands as well as natural streambanks and shore-lines. Timing is important as these areas burnwell only at very specific times of the year. Firesin wetland areas can be very intense, especiallywhere cattails and giant reed grass (Phragmitescommunis) are present. Therefore, extra care iswarranted. A two to three year rotation is gen-erally appropriate for wetland burning.

Chemical weed control also may be needed,especially for species (e.g., purple loosestrifeand reed canary grass) which are difficult toeliminate. Herbicide techniques are differentfrom upland sites primarily because herbicideshave to be licensed for use in or near waterbod-Restoration of Coffee Creek, Chesterton, Indiana


44

ies, wetlands and other aquatic systems. Readthe product labels, and make sure that only alicensed herbicide applicator conducts thiswork.

What to expect

If hydrologic and soil conditions are conducive,wetland plantings often respond very rapidly.Extensive cover of native plants often can beachieved during the first growing season.Often, noxious weed control via herbicides,mowing, or pruning is necessary during the firstseveral years. Some replanting also may be nec-essary. A stable, diverse, and aestheticwetland/riparian landscape may take three tofive years to achieve.

Purple loosestrife is a particularly aggressive,noxious wetland weed and merits special atten-tion here. If it gets out of control, the landscap-ing project may be in trouble. When the weed ispresent in a limited area, it may respond tohand pulling or to several doses of herbicides. Itis important to attack before it goes to seed.Recently, biological controls for purple looses-trife have been introduced in Illinois.Information on the European beetles of the

Galurecella sp. which damage purple loosestrifeis available through the Illinois Department ofNatural Resources, Natural Heritage Division,as well as county forest preserve districts (seeAppendix 4 for details).

Natural landscaping buffers to protect high qualitywetlands and waterbodies

Wetlands, streams and lakes do not exist in iso-lation. Their long term health is heavily depend-ent on the management of adjacent landscapesas well as upland areas in upstream watersheds.Native vegetation can be used to establishbuffers along wetlands, stream edges and lakeshores, known as riparian zones. Native vegeta-tion buffers help to stabilize streambanks andshorelines, filter out sediment and other runoffpollutants from adjacent developments, protectthe habitat in sensitive nearshore areas, preserveaesthetic values, and provide access for mainte-nance and/or trails.

Design guidance

Natural landscaping buffers are recommendedon all sites containing wetlands, streams, orlakes. The design and management of riparianbuffers should follow these general criteria:

*The minimum buffer width should be 25 feet.Wider buffers (e.g., 50-100 feet) should be estab-lished for larger or more sensitive streams, lakesor wetlands.

*Buffers should be planted using native vegetationindigenous to the riparian zone (See Appendix 3for plant lists).

Hoary Cress


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* Applications of fertilizers or pesticides should beavoided once the buffer is established.Maintenance should be limited to occasionalmowing or controlled burns necessary to controlweeds and maintain native plant diversity. If cer-tain noxious weeds need additional control, lim-ited use of approved herbicides may be appro-priate in localized areas.

NIPC has published a Model Stream andWetland Protection Ordinance that may be usedby municipalities to protect stream corridors.

Streambank and shoreline stabilization techniques

Conventional landscaping, particularly turfgrass, is generally unsuitable for most stream-bank and shoreline applications. Turf grass isvery shallow-rooted and is intolerant of extend-ed inundation which is common in low-lyingareas. As a consequence, bare soil and erosionare common occurrences on conventionallylandscaped lake shores and streambanks. Nativevegetation is increasingly being utilized as alow-cost alternative for restoring and stabilizingthese areas. It provides several importantadvantages over conventional landscaping.

* Appropriate native vegetation is tolerant ofinundation, even surviving extended floods.

*The deep, dense root systems of native plantshold the soil firmly in place.

*Native plants dissipate wave and current energyand protect erodible banks.

In addition to these advantages, native vegeta-tion also has several advantages over conven-tional engineering solutions, such as riprap or

steel pilings, which have been traditionally usedto stabilize eroding streambanks and shorelines.It enhances aquatic habitat and aesthetics. Itprovides shading for nearshore areas. Once rootsystems become established, the ability to stabi-lize erosive banks increases over time.

Native plants can be used alone or in combina-tion with other materials in what are commonlycalled bioengineering methods. Several commonbioengineering methods are described as fol-lows:

Vegetative stabilization

Native prairie, wetland or woodland vegetationcan be planted as seeds, dormant cuttings orplant plugs. Planting generally follows removalor thinning of non-native trees or shrubs.Common plantings include prairie grass plugsor dormant willow poles on streambanks, oremergent wetland plants on lake shores. Theseapproaches work best where bank slopes aremoderate (e.g., 1:1 or flatter) and erosive veloci-ties are not severe.

Brush layering/branchpacking

These methods utilize layers of dormant tree orshrub branches, typically willow or dogwoodspecies, alternating with layers of soil. The pro-truding ends of the branches physically deflecterosive flows and the brush roots eventually sta-bilize erodible soils. These methods can beapplied to a range of slopes and velocities.


46

Fiber rolls

Fiber rolls are constructed of coconut fiberswhich are densely packed into a cylindricalshape and wrapped with a polypropylene mesh.Fiber rolls are partially submerged at the toe ofan eroding streambank or shoreline and securedwith construction stakes. Native vegetation isplanted into the fiber roll and on the slopeabove it. This method is most appropriate inlow to moderate velocity zones where the toe ofthe slope is eroding.

A-Jacks and lunkers

These techniques rely on hard-edged materialsto stabilize the toe of the slope in combinationwith native vegetation planted on the upperbanks. Concrete A-Jacks structures, resembling

children’s jacks, are placed in a linear nestedarrangement along an eroding bank or shore-line, backfilled with soil, and planted with stabi-lizing vegetation such as willow poles. Lunkersare rectangular boxes constructed of wood orplastic lumber and built into the toe of the bank.Both of these techniques are effective in stabiliz-ing the toe of an eroding slope and should beintegrated with native plants.

An excellent description of alternative stabiliza-tion techniques has been developed by DuPageCounty Department of EnvironmentalConcerns. Its Streambank Stabilization Programreport (1995) describes the advantages, disad-vantages, and installation techniques of a rangeof natural vegetation and bioengineeringapproaches.

VVIIIIII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR IIMPROVED

SSTORMWATER MMANAGEMENT

As previously described, natural landscapingprovides an environmentally conscious alterna-tive to conventional methods of addressingstormwater management and other waterresources concerns. This section describes theimplementation of several natural landscapingtechniques for conveying and storing stormwa-ter runoff in a more environmentally consciousand cost effective manner.

On an undisturbed site, there is very little sur-face runoff. Most precipitation infiltrates intothe ground and slowly recharges undergroundaquifers or moves laterally to recharge streams,


47

lakes and wetlands. When surface runoff doesoccur, it moves slowly across the vegetatedlandscape, through natural depressions, and viaswales into larger streams.

In contrast, the developed site produces dramat-ically more surface runoff due to impervioussurfaces and soil compaction. Conventionaldrainage relies upon curbs, gutters, channelsand sewers to quickly convey the water away.As a consequence, pollutants in stormwaterrunoff are flushed downstream and the pulsat-ing flows contribute to increased flooding anddestabilization of downstream channel systems.

Natural drainage designs attempt to replicateelements of the pre-development drainagescheme by:

*minimizing disturbances of the original drainagenetwork and the area of impervious surfaces and

*maximizing opportunities to infiltrate surfacerunoff, to hold runoff water in natural depres-sions, and to release it slowly through surfaceswales and drainageways.

While it will be impossible to replicate com-pletely the pre-development hydrologic condi-tions of a site, studies estimate that naturaldrainage designs can substantially reduce bothsurface runoff volumes and pollutant loadscompared to conventional drainage designs. Forexample, for a clustered, naturally drained resi-dential development in Grayslake, Illinois, esti-mates suggest a 65 percent reduction of surfacerunoff. Recommended elements of a naturaldrainage approach, or runoff reduction hierar-

chy, are described below.

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Existing swales, depressions, wetlands andstream corridors should be preserved in the siteplan wherever possible. In some cases this willrequire clustering the development aroundthese important features. By siting the build-ings, homes or other structures on only a por-tion of the total site, clustering has the addedbenefits of reducing the total impervious areaassociated with roadways and minimizing soilcompaction associated with mass grading activi-ties.

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A critical consideration in designing a naturaldrainage plan is to identify opportunities to dis-perse runoff from impervious surfaces —rooftops, streets and parking lots—onto the per-vious, vegetated areas of the site. These vegetat-ed areas, or filter strips, allow runoff to infiltrateinto the ground before it is conveyed to swalesor other conveyance devices. Runoff is directedto filter strips in several ways. It can be con-veyed from rooftops via downspouts. Fromroads, driveways or parking lots, runoff isdirected to filter strips as sheet flow or throughslotted curbs.

Applicability

Filter strips are suitable on most types of devel-opment but are probably most effective in set-


48

tings where there are relatively wide expansesof pervious area adjacent to impervious sur-faces. Filter strips are readily accommodated inthe following development situations:

*residential

*office and industrial campuses

*expressways and rural roadways(where right-of-way is adequate)

* buffer zones adjacent to sensitive environments

Design guidance

There are several basic design considerations forfilter strips which will maximize their perform-ance and reliability:

* A robust stand of vegetation should be estab-lished.

* Ground slope should ideally be relatively flat(i.e., preferably less than 5-10 percent slope).

*A width of at least 10-20 feet is recommended.

* Runoff onto the strip should be evenly dis-persed.

*Contributing drainage areas should be relativelysmall (less than five to ten acres.)

Healthy vegetation is important to minimizeerosion and to improve the filtering of pollu-tants in the runoff water. Where high concen-trations of salt are expected due to roadway de-icing, salt tolerant vegetation should be planted.Native prairie vegetation is ideal in most filterstrip applications (choose salt-tolerant specieswhere necessary). Its deep root zones and exten-sive biomass give it performance advantages

over turf grass. Forested filter strips also can beeffective because of their ability to take up cer-tain pollutants from the root zone and storethem in their biomass.

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Swales function much like filter strips exceptthat their purpose is to convey concentratedflow. Unlike conventional storm sewers, swalesmove water more slowly and allow a portion ofthe runoff to infiltrate the ground.

Applicability

Swales are suitable alternatives to storm sewersfor many types of development , particularlywhere the number of driveway crossings is notlarge. Swales are easily implemented on therolling to gently rolling topography which iscommon in northeastern Illinois. Swales arestrongly recommended in the following devel-opment situations.

*large lot residential sites (e.g., 1/2 to 1 acre orlarger)

*office and industrial campuses

*roadways where right-of-way widths are ade-quate

*parking lot medians and edges

Where feasible, runoff should be routed intoswales from filter strips. Runoff also can bedirectly conveyed from parking lots or road-ways via sheet flow or through slotted curbs.Swales in parking lot medians represent adeparture from the conventional design which


49

elevates landscaped islands or medians abovethe pavement. It is recommended instead thatmedians be excavated to collect runoff. Parkinglot swales also are useful for the disposal ofplowed snow.

Design guidance

The design guidance for vegetated swales issimilar to the criteria for filter strips.

*Slopes should be adequate to minimize nui-sance ponding — roughly 1-2 percent as a mini-mum.

*Where existing gradients are steep (e.g., greaterthan 5-10 percent) and erosion is a concern, theeffective slope of swales can be reduced throughthe use of drop structures.

*Swales should be wide and shallow with sideslopes no steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical.

*Swales can be vegetated with turf, prairie or wet-land vegetation as appropriate. If high salt con-centrations are expected in runoff, salt-tolerantplant species should be utilized.

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Before runoff leaves the development site, itshould be routed through a detention basin tofurther slow the peak flow rates and to providean opportunity to remove runoff contaminants.While most northeastern Illinois communitiesrequire detention via subdivision ordinances,most conventional basins are very “engineered”in appearance, with hard edges or concretechannels. Natural landscaping of detentionbasins incorporates native plants and gradualside slopes to enhance the removal of stormwa-

ter pollutants, improve aesthetic appearance,and reduce maintenance needs.

There are two recommended natural detentionbasin types. A wet bottom basin has a large,deep permanent pool in the basin bottom. Awetland basin contains smaller deep pools nearthe outlet and/or inlets. The remainder of thebasin bottom, which either has very shallowponding or is dry between storm events, is vege-tated primarily with wetland plants, sometimesin combination with prairie vegetation or turfgrass.

Design guidance

The basic philosophy of natural detentiondesigns is to replicate the components of naturallake and wetland systems. The followingdesign considerations are important.

*Shoreline slopes of open water areas should berelatively flat (e.g., 5:1 to 10:1).

*Shoreline zones and frequently flooded areasshould be planted with native wetland vegeta-tion.

*Where feasible, basin side slopes should be veg-etated with prairie grasses and forbs.

*Basin shapes and open water contours shouldbe irregular to enhance appearance.

An important caution

Because natural wetlands are often in the lowestspot in the landscape, there is sometimes atemptation to convert them to detention basins.This generally should be avoided, particularly

for wetlands containing sensitive habitats ordiverse plant communities, because the subse-quent changes in water levels and pollutantloadings associated with urban runoff will has-ten their degradation.

For more information about stormwater manage-ment:

Best Management Practice Guidebook forUrban Development, Northeastern IllinoisPlanning Commission: 1992.

For more information about stream protection:

Restoring and Managing Stream Greenways: ALandowner’s Handbook, Northeastern IllinoisPlanning Commission: 1998.

For more information on plant material:

Native Plant Guide for Streams and StormwaterFacilities in Northeastern Illinois, USDANatural Resources Conservation Service’sChicago Metro Urban and CommunityAssistance Office: 1997.


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A natural approach to retention basin design


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CCHHAAPPTTEERR 55:: CCAASSEE

SSTTUUDDIIEESS IINN NNAATTUURRAALL


I. An Innovative PlannedDevelopment

II. Natural Landscaping forUrban Lots

III. Natural Landscaping forCorporate Office Campuses

IV. Natural Landscaping for an Industrial Park

V. Public Parks and Citizen Involvement

VI. Natural Landscaping for a School

VII. Natural Landscaping for a GovernmentComplex

VIII. Natural Landscaping in a Right-of-Way

IX. Golf Courses as Opportunities

X. Natural Landscaping Along a Shoreline

The upper midwest, including northeasternIllinois, is an excellent location to see a widevariety of applications of natural landscaping.The natural landscaping “movement” is rela-tively new. These projects displayed, even attheir earlier stages, the multiple benefits of thenatural landscaping approach.

A selection of natural landscaping projects,demonstrating a wide variety of land uses, sitearea, habitat type, and sponsor are brieflydescribed below. Most of these case study exam-

ples are visible from public areas. Interestedparties who wish additional information orwant a closer look should contact the propertyowner or manager. There are many otherdemonstrations of natural landscaping in thenortheastern Illinois area. These are only a few,selected to illustrate the wide range of naturallandscaping applications.

II.. AAN IINNOVATIVE PPLANNED DDEVELOPMENT

PPrraaiirriiee CCrroossssiinnggIllinois Rt. 45 and Casey RoadGrayslake, Lake County, Illinoiswww.prairiecrossing.com

Prairie Crossing, located in northern LakeCounty, is an innovative large scale clusteredresidential development which includes pre-served open space and agricultural areas, aswell as multi-use development adjacent to com-muter rail stations. The Prairie Crossing plan isdesigned to achieve comprehensive naturalresource management objectives while creatinga highly marketable residential environment.Natural landscaping is a concept inherent in thephilosophy and concept of this project.

Prairie Crossing is a 678 acre residential devel-opment with 362 mostly clustered homes.Mindful of cultural as well as natural heritage,Prairie Crossing integrates existing farm fieldswith a natural landscape of restored prairies,wetlands, meadows and lakes.

Nearly 197 acres of native prairies and wetlands

Prairie Dock


52

have been restored through and around the resi-dential areas of the development. These areas, inaddition to their habitat and aesthetic benefits,serve as part of an alternative stormwater man-agement system. The system utilizes a“stormwater treatment train” which is asequenced series of native landscape unitsincluding vegetated swales that surround allhome clusters. These swales convey the water toexpansive prairies in which most of the waterquality enhancement and management occurs.Some contaminants are removed within theupland prairies. Water that does not infiltrate orevaporate flows slowly from the 175 acres ofprairies into 22 acres of created wetlands, andultimately into 27 acres of created lakes.

The use of natural landscaping and ecologicalrestoration in this project not only integrates thedevelopment by its presence everywhere, butalso serves this vital water management func-tion.

Immediate aesthetic benefits on the largeacreage of prairie was achieved through use of acover cropping system (Barley and winter rye).The extensive fields looked like grain fields dur-ing the first year. The Prairie Crossing projectdemonstrates its deep commitment to publiceducation during the home sales process andafterward by providing a handbook on “Livingwith Nature” and numerous educational oppor-tunities for residents throughout the year.Homeowners are educated regarding the envi-ronmentally progressive aspects of the develop-ment and are encouraged to minimize use of

chemicals, plant native plants and minimizelawn area. A community supported garden pro-gram provides additional opportunities toinvolve homeowners with natural resources anddevelop a greater understanding and apprecia-tion for natural landscaping.

Use of natural landscaping for water con-veyance and management saved several milliondollars in stormwater piping and installation.When compared to conventional lawns, the nat-ural landscaping is much less expensive interms of costs of initial installation and long-term maintenance. In addition, stabilization ofthe lake and pond on the site are achievedentirely through the use of native plants andnatural materials. This reduces costs of shorelinemaintenance by controlling shoreline erosion.

Appreciation of the natural landscaping hasbeen demonstrated by higher than averagehome values, by resident involvement, includ-ing many homeowners now naturalizing theiryards, and the unprecedented local and nationalmedia attention the project has garnered. Inaddition, wildlife use of the open spaces andrestored landscapes has been exceptional andgreatly appreciated within the community.

Zoning and regulatory approval for the projectwas greatly expedited by the overall conserva-tion focus. Although many construction detailsand plans, including the stormwater manage-ment scheme, required long and arduous nego-tiations, the local community and public offi-cials were supportive and encouraged alterna-


53

tive strategies for landscaping and stormwatermanagement.

IIII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR UURBAN LLOTS

200 Block North ElmwoodOak Park, Illinois

Visitors to the 200 block of north Elmwood inOak Park, Illinois will notice a significant trendtowards the use of natural landscaping on rela-tively small urban single family lots. One of thebest examples is where two adjacent homeown-ers have collaborated in the development of awildflower garden which fills their adjacent sideyards and portions of the front yards. This proj-ect was based upon a shared interest in reduc-ing the amount of turf grass and associated useof herbicides and pesticides. The owners wereinterested in a more diverse landscape and theability of the garden to attract butterflies.

The garden area was initially tilled and plantedwith annuals and perennials. Perennials nowoccupy 3/4 of the area. There is an emphasis onprairie plants although the garden is not a strictprairie restoration and contains many otherflowering plants.

Costs of this garden have been exceptionallylow. The original tilling was labor intensive.Ongoing maintenance falls into the realm ofhobby rather than labor. Many of the plantshave been obtained from other gardens. Theowners feel that overall the garden is less workthan lawn maintenance. The planting of annualsis an ongoing but not excessive cost, given thatthey only occupy 1/4 of the garden. An inexpen-sive weeping hose system has been installed forwatering, the need for which is reduced throughthe use of compost and mulch.

Each owner maintains her half of the garden.The owners had no initial contact with localgovernment regarding installation of the gar-den. There have not been complaints and the

Prairie Crossing Site Plan

This Oak Park home features natural landscaping


54

garden won the “Garden of the Year” award.

Other homeowners in the neighborhood haveundertaken similar projects. It is estimated thatat least 30 to 40 natural gardens have “sprout-ed” in Oak Park.

IIIIII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR CCORPORATE OOFFICE

CCAMPUSES

SSeeaarrss CCoorrppoorraattee HHeeaaddqquuaarrtteerrssPrairie Stone Business ParkHiggins and Beverly RoadHoffman Estates, Illinois

The Sears corporate headquarters and businesspark (Prairie Stone) is located on 780 acres adja-cent to Interstate 90. The project was conceivedas an integrated land planning process whichrecognizes natural systems and relationshipsbetween the built and natural environments.

Native plants have been incorporated into thelandscape in ornamental as well as functional

ways.

Areas near the primary structures are land-scaped with a combination of traditional land-scaping and the ornamental use of native plantsand stone. Water features have been createdthat extensively use limestone slabs over whichwater flows into naturalized ponds surroundedby native vegetation. Native plants have beenincorporated into key entrance and other highlyvisible locations in order to carry out the themeof natural landscaping.

The overall plan called for the preservation andenhancement of existing wetlands and the cre-ation of new wetland systems as part of thesite’s stormwater management plan. The land-scaping therefore reduces the amount of surfacewater runoff, and what runoff there is is treatedby filtering through vegetated filter strips andswales and a series of naturalized retention anddetention basins connected by the vegetatedswales.

LLuucceenntt TTeecchhnnoollooggiieessBBeellll LLaabbss IInnnnoovvaattiioonnss2600 Warrenville Road(Warrenville Road east of Naperville Road)Lisle, Illinois

and

Warrenville Road and Naperville RoadNaperville, Illinois

In the 1990’s, what was then AT&T’s NetworkSoftware division was mandated by the national

Sears Corporate Headquarters, Hoffman Estates, IL


55

headquarters to find ways to reduce or elimi-nate the costly annual replacement of bluegrassturf caused by severe erosion, disease and nui-sance goose population. Motivated by anemployee-organized ecology club, AT&T initiat-ed the conversion of 18 acres of bluegrass turf tonative prairie forbs and grasses. After develop-ing a comprehensive master plan, the problemturf areas were tilled under and reseeded usingthe disk method followed by broadcast seeding.

As a result of the success of the Lisle program,an additional 30 acres of AT&T’s nearby LucentTechnologies campus in Naperville were con-verted in the summer of 1994.

Both projects used the same seed mix which wastailored for varying conditions on the sites, i.e.mesic prairie, savanna understory, wet prairie,etc. Both seed mixes included annual and short-lived perennials for ground cover and immedi-ate visual effect. The colorful display fromdames rocket and poppy helped create theextremely positive popular response. These

were gradually replaced by the more dominantand longer-lived prairie flowers that wereincluded in the planting mix.

In the late nineties, new research facilities builton each campus reduced the acreage devoted tonatural landscaping.

IIVV.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR AN IINDUSTRIAL PPARK

LLaakkeevviieeww IInndduussttrriiaall PPaarrkkPleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Lakeview Industrial Park is a 1500 acre develop-ment between Chicago and Milwaukee, nearPleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The project goalwas to integrate expansive native landscapeswithin an industrial park design. Nearly 500acres of the Park have been included in a largededicated Natural Area along the Des PlainesRiver. The Des Plaines River bisects the develop-ment, which includes extensive floodplain wet-lands, oak savannas, prairies, and the riverinesystem. Wisconsin’s second largest populationof the Federal and State Endangered WhiteFringed Prairie orchid, rare fishes, rare birds,and rare snakes are also present in or immedi-ately adjacent to the property.

Coordination with the Wisconsin chapter of TheNature Conservancy resulted in the gifting ofthis large area and additional areas of createdwetland and prairies within the industrial park.In addition, coordination with the local town-ship and community has resulted in the addi-tion of over 100 acres of open space and co-

Lucent Technologies’ Corporate Campus


56

development of a new park with a high qualityoak savanna, additional floodplain areas includ-ing very high quality wetlands, and a 120 acrecreated lake (a former gravel quarry). Uplandsaround this lake, and other areas including thelake system, are treated in part by natural land-scaping.

A new access road created to service the devel-opment impacted 31 acres of floodplain wet-lands. To compensate for this, several largefarm fields were converted to wetlands throughexcavation and removal of farm drain tiles. Inaddition, significant upland buffers aroundthese wetlands have been restored to prairies.The created wetland systems are connected toflood events in the adjacent Des Plaines river.The result has been fish spawning opportuni-ties, including use of the areas by rare fishes,and the presence of numerous rare birds.

Throughout the regulatory and local approvalprocesses, this project encountered no problemswith its use of native landscaping, a significantprotection plan, and restoration program.Prescribed burning is used frequently, and withlocal approval, although at times it is difficult toobtain the fire department’s permission unlessmeteorological conditions meet their standards.

The project has won wide acclaim for its innova-tive address of ecological resources and was oneof The Nature Conservancy’s very first projectswhich involved the wetland mitigation process.The positive feedback has forged an importantconservation partnership between the industry

and conservation groups.

The natural landscaping and ecological restora-tion in this project provided the basis for successin a number of ways. The industry has savedsignificant sums of money through use of nativelandscaping and by conveyance of valuableproperty.

The ecological benefits of this project haveexceeded expectations. Rare species, includingan endangered orchid, were not known to bepresent at the time of the agreement on the con-veyance and landscaping plans for the land andare now found on the property. This under-scores the importance of large projects whichcan offer protection, native landscaping, andecosystem management strategies.

VV.. PPUBLIC PPARKS AND CCITIZEN IINVOLVEMENT

GGoommppeerrss PPaarrkkCChhiiccaaggoo PPaarrkk DDiissttrriiccttFoster and PulaskiChicago, Illinois

In 1995, the Chicago Park District undertook therestoration of a small wetland in the floodplainof the North Branch of the Chicago River onChicago’s northwest side. The two acre site,located in Gompers Park, had been filled in the1960s, altering the site’s hydrology, causingflooding of adjacent park areas and nearly elimi-nating the indigenous wetland plant communi-ty. The three main goals of the project were to:

*Restore the function of the wetland’s flood-water


57

retention capability, re-establish the physicalconnection between the wetland and theChicago River and bring back the appropriateplant and animal communities.

*Facilitate a resource for education, scientific studyand community stewardship to a multi-genera-tional, community-based population, educationand training in wetland ecology, restoration,monitoring and management and provide, forthat population.

*Establish a model of local and federal governmentagencies, community groups and not-for-profitorganizations working cooperatively and in col-laboration as a team in the restoration of a sig-nificant ecological system in an urban context.

The total cost of Gompers Park Project was$90,000, the majority of which was spent remov-ing two feet of fill over the two acre site, re-grading and installing a dike and water controlstructure. The remainder of the project costwent for plant material, signage and educationalprogramming in conjunction with the project.

After construction was complete, the site wasseeded with a cover crop of annual rye for tem-porary soil stability, then drill-seeded with adiverse mixture of appropriate native perennialgrasses, sedges and forbs. An experienced plant-ing contractor installed plugged plant materialsin the submergent, emergent and sedge-mead-ow planting zones. Volunteers completed theplanting, installing more than 2500 plant plugsinto the wet and mesic prairie zones during theweekend work events during the spring andsummer of 1995 and 1996.

Volunteers continue to help with the wetland’s

management, participating in weeding sessionsand keeping the area free of litter and trash. Aqualified contractor burns the site every year toencourage the native Midwestern plants whichare adapted to seasonal burning and to discour-age invasive weed species.

In the years since the completion of the wetlandproject, other natural areas at Gompers Parkhave been developed and expanded, includingrestoration of the fishing lagoon and enlarge-ment of the native plantings adjacent to the wet-land. Additionally, the Chicago Park District hasbuilt upon the knowledge and experiencegained from the Gompers Park project. To date,more than 50 natural areas throughout the cityhave been rehabilitated through the ParkDistrict’s Natural Areas Program.

This initiative, to develop new natural areas andenhance existing significant or sensitive sites,includes a wide range of projects. The programincludes the restoration of riparian systems andwetland habitat associated with Chicago’s

Gompers Park in Chicago, IL


58

lagoons, river edges and lake shore and theestablishment and enhancement of other nativehabitats, such as woodlands, savannas, prairiesand dunes, as well as the development of naturegardens and the improvement of lakefront birdhabitat.

The Natural Areas Program is augmented andsupported by the Park District’s UrbanStewardship Program, which enlists public par-ticipation in the monitoring and maintenance ofthe natural areas. The Audubon Certification ofPark District golf course program, whichinvolves the conversion of out-of-play areas tonatural habitat, is being pursued. Additionally,the Park District is involved in the UrbanMonitoring program, tracking the populationcharacteristics of five significant natural areaindicators, including frogs, butterflies, dragon-flies, birds and threatened and endangeredplants.

VVII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR A SSCHOOL

WWhheeaattoonn WWaarrrreennvviillllee SSoouutthh HHiigghh SScchhooooll1920 South Wiesbrook RoadWheaton, Illinois

Addressing many issues simultaneously,Wheaton Warrenville South High School beganincorporating native landscape treatments intotheir school grounds in 1995. The school hadseveral goals: to reduce maintenance on unusedlawn areas and time demands on limited staff,improve overall aesthetics, restore native habi-tats, and more important, create a living labora-

tory for hands-on environmental education. Theproject consultant developed a master planwhich identified appropriate zones for the re-introduction of various prairie community typesand incorporated requested outdoor classroomelements.

During Earth Day week in April 1995, studentsinstalled the first phase of the master plan,approximately 2.5 acres of upland mesic andwet prairie plantings.

VVIIII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR A GGOVERNMENT

CCOMPLEX

DDuuPPaaggee GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt CCeenntteerrEast Campus Detention BasinCounty Farm Rd. and Manchester Rd.Wheaton, Illinois

When developing the 57-acre GovernmentCenter, DuPage County looked to incorporatenatural landscapes into the site through nativeplantings within compensatory water storage

Wheaton Warrenville South High School Campus


59

areas. The East detention basin was modeledafter the West Basin, which was previouslyplanted with native vegetation but is currentlyunder construction.

In 2003, DuPage County has been working toincorporate native wetland and prairie vegeta-tion into the landscape design for the East Basin.Native prairie grasses, herbaceous plants, trees,and shrubs surround the basin. Emergent andfloating aquatic vegetation enhance the wetterbottom of the basin. These wetland plants actnaturally to filter water and improve flood con-trol capabilities.

Another benefit of the natural landscaping inthe East detention basin is that it can be a deter-rent to Canada geese. The geese have been aproblem in this area for years. Not only are theyan overcrowded, nuisance species, but they cancause ecological problems, such as E.coli bacte-ria, to water bodies as well. Tall vegetationaround a pond or basin discourages the geesefrom inhabiting or feeding in the area. DuPage

County hopes to maximize all the benefits ofnatural landscaping as a part of the GovernmentComplex.

TThhiirrdd AAvveennuuee DDrraaiinnaaggee PPrroojjeeccttState Route 83 and Byron AvenueDuPage County, Illinois

In the fall of 2002, DuPage County completed adrainage project that encompasses water storageand native landscaping. Drainage problems inthe area required a 3-acre detention basin to bebuilt. The county used this project as an oppor-tunity to incorporate native plantings into adetention basin project.

The native plantings function to improve waterquality for the on site wetlands and, on a largerscale, the Salt Creek watershed. Water enteringthe site is runoff from roads and residentialareas. This water is likely to be contaminatedwith lawn pesticides and other pollutants. Plantselection for the detention basin has emphasizedthe use of species tolerant to such conditions.The plantings give the basin aesthetic appeal aswell. Over 50 different wetland and prairiespecies were planted in and around the basin.The overall effect of the project is that it simulta-neously performs flood control functions, waterfiltration, and habitat for wetland species.

West Basin at the DuPage Government Center


60

VVIIIIII.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING FOR A RRIGHT-OF-WWAY

Among the significant landowners in metropoli-tan areas are the owners of roadways and utilityright-of-ways. The interconnected, linear natureof these extensive ownerships creates opportu-nities for a highly visible use of natural land-scaping. In addition, natural landscaping inthese corridors can help provide continuity ofhabitat and habitat linkages that are importantfor species propagation and survival.

IIlllliinnooiiss DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt ooff TTrraannssppoorrttaattiioonn

The Illinois Department of Transportation has aprogram of planting native plants and wildflow-ers along Illinois state highways. Travelers toSpringfield are aware of the extensive use ofprairie grasses in the Interstate 55 right-of-wayas one approaches the state capitol.

In recent years IDOT has been using nativeplantings more extensively in the Chicago met-ropolitan area. Segments of right-of-way that are

being managed for native vegetation are desig-nated by signs and are not subject to conven-tional mowing routines.

CCoommmmoonnwweeaalltthh EEddiissoonn

Commonwealth Edison has initiated the use ofnative landscaping as part of its land manage-ment and environmental programs.Commonwealth Edison has completed a num-ber of prairie plantings in their right-of-way inthe Chicago metropolitan area. This is beingdone for environmental, economic and aestheticreasons.

One location for viewing CommonwealthEdison’s work is at the Power House energymuseum in Zion, Illinois. CommonwealthEdison also has a voluntary stewardship pro-gram which encourages Commonwealth Edisonemployees, families and friends to participate inprairie restoration efforts.

Native landscaping on Commonwealth Edison right-of-ways

Natural landscaping along I-55 near Springfield, IL


61

IIXX.. GGOLF CCOURSES AS OOPPORTUNITIES

OOllyymmppiiaa FFiieellddss CCoouunnttrryy CClluubb2800 Country Club Drivenear Vollmer Rd. and Western Ave.Olympia Fields, Illinois

Golf courses are a major land use in metropoli-tan areas where conversion from traditional tonatural landscaping can have very positive andhighly visible impacts. The Olympia FieldsCountry Club has been participating in the NewYork Audubon Society Cooperative SanctuaryProgram since 1992 and became fully certified inFebruary of 1996. Certification areas include:environmental planning, wildlife cover enhance-ment, water conservation, and water qualitymanagement.

Olympia Fields Country Club blends two cham-pionship 18-hole golf courses into a unique nat-ural setting of native woodlands and rollingtopography with large oak trees lining the fair-ways. Butterfield Creek winds through theproperty. Numerous areas on both courses areideal for enhancing the existing vegetation andhabitat and re-introducing vegetation types thathad been eliminated from the property overtime. Planting native trees and woody understo-ry from locally collected seed, removal of inva-sive non-native species, re-establishing prairieand savanna vegetation, prescribed burning ofprairie and savanna areas, and the control ofwater feature erosion with native vegetation aresome of the programs in progress.

A significant portion of both golf courses was

constructed in native oak/hickory woodlands.Through the years, many of the native treeshave died and been replaced with non-nativespecies. Out-of-play areas and hillsides weremowed, precluding the natural growth of newoak trees and understory plants. In order torestore the original nature of the land, an exten-sive planting program was initiated with theplanting of native trees supplied by a local nurs-ery. All of the plants are grown from locally col-lected seed (some seed is collected from plantsat the country club). Plants range in size from6” caliper trees in strategic, highly visible loca-tions to one year old seedlings in wooded areasthat are no longer mowed. Of equal importanceto the planting is the removal of invasive non-native plants which compete with the nativeplants.

Other areas of the property were originallyprairie and were farmed prior to construction ofthe golf course. Where appropriate, prairie vege-tation is being re-established. A 1 3/4 acredemonstration area has been reseeded to prairievegetation. Initially, 7 grasses and over 25 forbswere re-introduced. As in all of the plantingprograms, care is taken to match the plant to itssite, taking into account soil type, moisturerequirements, sunlight needs, etc. Prescribedburning and hand weeding are used to keepnon-native plants out of the prairie areas. Inone area of the North Course, prairie vegetationhas begun to re-establish on a site that had beenmowed for over 70 years. Also, prairie grassesand forbs are used in various landscape situa-


62

tions on the golf course and around the club-house. Several savanna remnants still are evi-dent on the South Course. Those areas wereburned to eliminate some non-natives and stim-ulate the dormant seed bank. Results after thefirst year were encouraging.

A program of erosion control, using native vege-tation, had been initiated along ButterfieldCreek and lake shorelines. In previous years,riprap was placed on the creek banks to controlerosion. Grass was mowed to the water’s edgealong streambanks and shorelines. Vegetativebuffers were established where practical, andvegetation such as rushes, iris and cordgrasshave been planted to protect the soil on thebanks. This program will be expanded in futureyears.

The Olympia Fields Country Club GroundsDepartment practices an environmentally sensi-tive fertilizer and pesticide program. An exten-sive Integrated Pest Management program is inplace utilizing scouting, threshold levels, cura-tive disease control, least toxic chemicals, organ-ic fertilizer and biological control. No-spraybuffer zones have been established around envi-ronmentally sensitive areas such as water fea-tures. Many weeds, such as crabgrass and dan-delions, are controlled through hand picking onthe fairway, greens and tees. Fewer chemicalsare used on the 36 holes than are used on many18 hole facilities.

Member and non-member awareness of theenvironmental programs are important aspects

of the Cooperative Sanctuary Program. The clubnewsletter is used on a monthly basis to informthe membership of ongoing environmental pro-grams. Also, the grounds superintendent hasmade presentations to local superintendentgroups and local environmental and socialgroups on the Olympia Fields Country Clubenvironmental program.

XX.. NNATURAL LLANDSCAPING AALONG A SSHORELINE

FFrraannkkffoorrtt PPrraaiirriiee PPaarrkk Connects with Old Plank Road Trail, east ofWhite StreetFrankfort, Illinois

The Village of Frankfort created the FrankfortPrairie Park on a vacant parcel that includes ahigh-quality natural area containing over 40species of prairie plants. The Village had threeobjectives in developing the park: the park mustpreserve and protect the native prairie species ofplants; demonstrate environmental conservation

Olympia Fields County Club, Olympia Fields, IL


63

practices and educate visitors; and provide out-door recreational opportunities.

The park contains a lake fed by a drainage waythat conveys surface runoff from the downtownand historic districts. The lake is edged by wet-land plants and rock outcroppings for publicaccess. Though most people see only the beauti-ful naturalized park, the lake is part of a treat-ment system for the storm water runoff. Thestorm water first enters a separator basin androck creek that collects heavy solids. The waterthen travels to a stilling pool that is plantedwith wetland plants to filter additional solids. Awater pump helps to maintain a flow of water ina rocky stream that, in turn, helps to aerate thewater. The stream then flows into the lake forstorm water storage. The lake is stocked withnative game fish. From the lake, water flowsinto a wet prairie and a bioswale, where hydro-carbons, nutrients and other contaminants areabsorbed by native plants.

The park provides a connection to Old PlankRoad Trail, and educational markers describethe flora and fauna on the site.

Frankfort Prairie Park, Frankfort, IL


64

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 11:: GGLLOOSSSSAARRYY

Annual: A plant that lives for one year or onegrowing season.

Beneficial Landscaping: Using different landscap-ing techniques to achieve all kind of benefits(e.g., decrease of maintenance costs, reduction ofstormwater runoff, beautification of the land-scape, preservation of endangered species, etc.).

Biennial: A plant that grows from seed and pro-duces leafy growth the first year. In the secondyear, the plant produces flowers, sets seed anddies.

Biodiversity: A measurement of the number ofspecies and the variety of life and its processesin an area.

Bioengineering: The use of vegetation for civilengineering purposes like slope stabilization,water erosion control, shoreline protection, bar-riers for noise reduction, etc.

Bog: Found almost exclusively in glaciateddepressions, soils are highly acidic, have lownutrient levels, and are saturated throughout thegrowing season. Vegetation consists of a varietyof emergents, carnivorous plants such as sun-dew and pitcher plants, and shrubs or smalltrees occurring on consolidated peat. Bogs usu-ally have an area of open water called the “eye.”

Buffer/Buffer Strip: A management area closest toa sensitive environmental site (e.g., wetland,waterbody, etc.) in which human activities areprohibited or limited in order to minimize thenegative impacts from adjacent land uses (like

erosion, filter runoff pollutants, disturbances ofwildlife) affecting the sensitive environmentalsite.

Clustered Development: Accumulation of develop-ment onto only a portion of a site, therebyallowing sensitive areas to be protected with noloss in the number of lots and maintaining thegross density of the site.

Ecosystem: A community of plants and animalsinteracting with each other and theirphysical/chemical environment.

Emergent: Pertaining to aquatic plants whichhave some portion of the plant extended out ofthe water.

Exotic Species: A non-native plant or animalintroduced from another geographic area.

Forest: Plant communities which exist alongfloodplains or on the eastern side of riverswhere they were protected from fires. They aredominated by trees that are intolerant of fireand can grow in poorly drained soils, althoughbur oak trees can be a part of this community.In Northeastern Illinois, the word “forest” isoften used interchangeably with “woodland” or“woods,” as in the “Big Woods.”

Fen: A type of wet meadow with highly alkalinesoil. Vegetation is primarily composed of herba-ceous species, encircled by zones of plants ofincreasing height and woodiness.

Forb: Any herbaceous plant that is not a grass.

Greenway: A greenway is a corridor of open landthat provides one or more of the following bene-


65

fits: (1) protection and management of naturaland cultural resources; (2) provision of recre-ational opportunities; and (3) enhancement ofthe quality of life and the aesthetic appeal ofneighborhoods and communities.

Habitat: The physical, chemical, and biologicalenvironment in which an organism lives.

Herbaceous plant: Any plant that is not woody.

Landscaping: The design of outdoor space toserve the needs of people by planting, alteringthe contours of the ground and/or buildingstructures like pedestrian ways, paths, picnicareas, etc.

Mesic: Soil condition that is medium-wet.

Native Landscaping: Landscaping only by usingnative plants.

Native Species: A plant or animal that originallyoccurred in an area. Also referred to asIndigenous Species.

Natural Landscaping: Landscaping in a way thattries to capture the character and spirit of naturein a designed landscape by arranging plants in acommunity context similar to their arrangementin nature. May be planted exclusively withnative plants or incorporate some small percentof exotics.

Noxious Weed: Any plant which is determinedby the Director, the Dean of the College ofAgriculture of the University of Illinois and theDirector of the Agricultural Experiment Stationat the University of Illinois, to be injurious topublic health, crops, livestock, land or other

property (Illinois Noxious Weed Law; 505 ILCS100.)

Oak Savanna: A transitional community betweenprairie and forest, sustained by fires, character-ized by scattered, open-grown oak and hickorytrees and grasses and forbs which flourish inpartly shady conditions. These savannas wereoften called “oak openings” by the pioneers.Definitions of density of trees vary widely, froma few scattered trees to an almost closed canopy.

Perennial Plant: A plant which lives for morethan two years.

Prairie: A plant community dominated by adiversity of perennial herbaceous plants grow-ing between a majority of grasses, and forminga dry flammable turf in autumn. Prairie commu-nities are categorized by soil conditions into dry(sandy or shallow hilltop soils), mesic (mediumwetness) and wet prairies (poorly drained soils).Often characterized by very deep rooted plants,prairie vegetation also consists of shallow-root-ed species, some with widely spreading rootsystems.

Prescribed Burn: Controlled application of fire tonaturally occurring vegetative fuels under speci-fied environmental conditions and followingappropriate precautionary measures, whichcauses the fire to be confined to a predeter-mined area and accomplish the planned landmanagement objectives.

Sedge: A plant that resembles a grass, but is partof a distinct plant family that typically grows indamp, wet, or marshy habitats.


66

Setback: Area between intensive development(e.g., structures) and a protected area (e.g.,waterbody or wetland).

Stormwater Detention Basin: A waterbodydesigned to detain stormwater runoff andreduce flooding.

Submergent: Aquatic plants that live and growentirely below the water surface.

Weed: Any undesirable or troublesome plant,especially one that grows profusely where it isnot wanted.


67

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 22:: SSEELLEECCTTIINNGG AASSSSIISS-

TTAANNCCEE FFOORR YYOOUURR NNAATTUURRAALL

LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG PPRROOJJEECCTT

Checklist for landowner

For your project, have you considered?:

__ The type of project (e.g., noise or privacybuffer, butterfly garden, large restoration ofplant communities)

__ Other goals (e.g., reduction of chemical andwater use)

__ Appearance desired (e.g., low “designed”look, wild prairie, ground cover)

__ “Fit” with other neighborhood landscapes(discussions with neighbors?)

__ Project size and scope

__ Project time-line (e.g., phasing in slowlyinstead of planting your entire site at onetime)

__ Cost parameters (installation and futuremaintenance)

__ Maintenance level desired (e.g., minimum,or backyard hobby garden)

__ Existing amenities to be retained (e.g., speci-men trees)

__ Existing and proposed habitat attractive towildlife (e.g., current nesting bird censusand impact of the project on them)

__ Type of plant materials desired (e.g., com-pletely native?)

__ Advantages/disadvantages of the site orparts of the site for natural gardening

__ Site problems to be addressed/solved (e.g.,drainage problems, poor or compacted soil,salt-tolerant species required in some loca-tions)

__ Soil type(s)

__ Sun/shade patterns over the growing season

__ Natural landscape history of your site

__ Pertinent local laws and regulations

__ Rights-of-way and property lines (e.g., platof survey)

__ Location of utility lines (in NortheasternIllinois, call JULIE) 1-800-892-0123

Background Questions for Consultant orSupplier

__ Scope of services? (Designing, installing,maintaining)

__ Plant materials provided by other landscapecontractors or “home-grown”

__ Training, experience, knowledge

__ Projects managed; Role in those projects

__ Landscape specialty

__ Where can completed and in-process proj-ects be seen

__ References

__ Major influences on professional direction

__ Any work performed as a volunteer designprofessional

__ Insurance coverage

__ Guarantees


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Details for your project

__ Cost estimate

__ Timeline

__ Maintenance required

__ Justification for plant selections and loca-tions

__ Drawings/site plan

__ Source of landscape materials

__ Terms and conditions of payment

__ Contract including all of the above


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AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 33:: PPLLAANNTT LLIISSTTSS

The plant lists include some of the species thatare commonly available in nurseries and are rel-atively easy to grow, yet it lists only a very smallpercentage of the plants in those categories. It isdirected towards the novice and the home gar-dener who is doing a modest first planting.Gardeners with experience with natural land-scaping and maturing landscapes will go waybeyond this list. Large projects, which canaccommodate a wide variety of species, willundoubtedly be led by a consultant and willalso go well beyond the confines of this list.

Relatively few plants grow exclusively in onecommunity type. The species listed below ascharacterizing one type of woodland communi-ty are often also found in different communitytypes. Let it be said that selecting representativeplants from among the over 15,000 plants foundin a region with one of the richest and most var-ied matrix of land forms and floristic communi-ties is a daunting task. The lists must be takenas only the barest token selection.

The herbaceous plant lists are divided intoplants which thrive in full sun, partial sun andshade. A very general rule of thumb is thatprairie species need full sun; savanna specieswill grow in partial shade and many will growas well (or better) in full sun; and shade specieswill grow in woodlands. It is very important tocheck catalogs and nursery information beforeyou buy, because plants also vary in their need

for moisture. Where species need particularstates of dryness, that information is noted onthis list. It is also important to understand thatmany plants have a “wide ecological ampli-tude,” that is, they are not extremely pickyabout where they grow, while others have moreexacting requirements. In any garden, the plantswill sort themselves out according to their needsand the conditions with which they are present-ed. Plant catalogs are often listed according toconditions of sun and shade, or in alphabeticalorder by Latin, or scientific name. This list isalphabetical by Latin name within categories.

Herbaceous Plants for Full Sun:

Forbs:

Lead Plant (Amorpha canescens)

Pasque Flower (Anemone patens)

Heath Aster (Aster ericoides)

Silky Aster (Aster sericeus)

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucophaea)

Sand Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Prairie Coreopsis (Coreopsis palmata)

Pale Purple (Echinacea pallida)Coneflower

Rattlesnake (Eryngium yuccifolium)Master


70

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Western (Naked) (Helianthus occidentalis)Sunflower

False Boneset (Kuhnia eupatorioides)

Round Headed (Lespedeza capitata)Bush Clover

Rough Blazing Star (Liatris aspera)

Cylindrical (Liatris cylindracea)Blazing Star

Pale Spiked Lobelia (Lobelia spicata)

Wild Quinine (Partheniumintegrifolium)

Prairie Cinquefoil (Potentilla arguta)

Deam’s Rosin Weed (Silphium integrifolium)

Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis)

Riddell’s Goldenrod (Solidago reddellii)

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

Grasses:

Big BluestemGrass (Andropogon gerardii)

Little Bluestem Grass (Andropogon scoparius)(dry prairie)

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)(dry prairie)

Purple Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis)

June Grass (Kohleria cristata)

Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)

Porcupine Grass (Stipa spartea)

Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans)

Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolopis)

Prairie Cord Grass (Spartina pectinata) (wet prairie)

Herbaceous Plants for Full Sun-Part Shade

Forbs:

Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum)

Prairie Thimbleweed (Anemone cylindrica)

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Smooth Blue Aster (Aster azureaus)

Sky blue aster (Aster laevis)

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucantha)

Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense)

Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)


71

Foxglove Beard (Penstamon digitalis)Tongue

Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

Ohio Goldenrod (Solidago ohiensis)

Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohioensis)

Heart-Leaved (Zizia aptera) Meadow Parsnip

Grasses:

Common wood reed (Cinna arundinacea)

Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)

Virginia Wild Rye (Elymus virginicus)

Fowl Meadow (Glyceria striata)(Manna) Grass

Bottlebrush Grass (Hystrix patula)

Herbaceous Plants for Shaded Areas(closed savanna & woodland communities):

Forbs:

Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema atrorubens)

Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)

Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)

Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)

Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)

Virginia Waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum)

Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

May Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum canaliculatum)

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Trillium (Trillium spp.)

Grasses:

Ear-leaved Brome (Bromus latiglumis)

Woodland Brome (Bromus pubescens)

Silky Wild Rye (Elymus villosus)

Beak Grass (Diarrhena americana)

Sedges:

Plantain-leaved (Carex plantaginea)Wood Sedge

Broad-leaved (Carex platyphylla) Wood Sedge

Common Oak Sedge (Carex pensylvanica)


72

Curly-styled (Carex rosea)Wood Sedge

Trees and Shrubs for Woodland Communities

Oak Savanna:

Trees

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Black Oak (Quercus velutina)

Shrubs:

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

American Hazelnut (Corylus americana)

Floodplain Forest:

Trees:

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanicasubintegerrima)

Shrubs:

Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Mesic Woodlands(Savanna grasses are often part of this commu-nity)

Trees:

Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata)

Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanicasubintegerrima)

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Basswood (Tilia americana)(American Linden)

American Elm (Ulmus americana)(found less frequently today due to Dutch ElmDisease)

Shrubs:

Grey Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis)

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)


73

Plants for Generally Wet Conditions

Marsh:

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Blue Joint Grass (Calamagrostis canadensis)

Common Lake Sedge (Carex lacustris)

Sedges (Carex sp.)

Spotted Joe Pye Weed(Eupatorium maculatum)

Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Rice Cut Grass (Leersia oryzoides)

Common Water (Lycopus americanus)Horehound

Common Cattail (Typha latifolia)

Dark Green Rush (Scirpus atrovirens)

Great Bulrush (Scirpus validus)

Prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata)

Calcareous wet soil communities (fens)

Great Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea)

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris)

Porcupine Sedge (Carex hystericina)

Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

Fen Thistle (Cirsium muticum)

Fowl Meadow (Glyceria striata) Grass

Narrow-Leaved (Lysimachia quadriflora)Loosestrife

Lake and Pond Communities

Great Spike Rush (Eleocharis palustris)

Common Rush (Juncus effusus)

Rice Cut Grass (Leersia oryzoides)

Pickerel Weed (Pontederia cordata)

Swamp Dock (Rumex verticillatus)

Common Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia)


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AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 44:: SSOOUURRCCEESS OOFF IINNFFOORR-MMAATTIIOONN AANNDD AASSSSIISSTTAANNCCEE

American Society of Landscape ArchitectsIllinois ChapterP. O. Box 4566Oak Brook, IL 60522(630) 833-4516http://www.il-asla.orgTo request an Illinois LandscapeArchitecture Firms directory

Audubon Society of New York State, Inc.46 Rarick RoadSelkirk, NY 12158(518) 767-9051(Cooperative Sanctuary Programs for GolfCourses and Schools)http://www.audubonintl.org

Chicago Botanic Garden1000 Lake Cook RoadP.O. Box 400Glencoe, IL 60022-0400(847) 835-5440 http://www.chicago-botanic.org

City of Chicago Departmentof Environment30 N. La Salle St. Suite 2500Chicago, IL 60602(312) 744-7606http://www.cityofchicago.org

Chicago Wilderness8 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 900Chicago, IL 60603(312) 580 - 2137http://www.chicagowilderness.org

Chicagoland Environmental NetworkBrookfield Zoo 3300 Golf Rd. Brookfield, IL 60513(708) 485-0263, ext. 396http://www.cen.nidus.net

Clean Air Counts53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 230Chicago, IL 60604(312) 554 -0900http://www.cleanaircounts.org

Cooperative Extension Service of the Universityof Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: MasterGardeners

Chicago North Unit: (773) 292 - 4444

Cook County-North Suburban:(847) 298 -3502

Cook County-South Suburban: (708) 532 -3337

DuPage Unit: (630) 653 - 4114

Kane County: (630) 584 -6166

Lake County: ( 847) 223 - 8627

McHenry County: ( 815) 338 - 4747

Will County: ( 815) 727- 9296


75

Illinois Department ofNatural ResourcesOne Natural Resources WaySpringfield, IL 62702(217) 785-5500http://dnr.state.il.us/

Illinois Department ofNatural ResourcesDivision of Natural Heritage, Region II2050 W. Stearns RoadBartlett, IL 60103(847) 608-3100

Illinois Native Plant SocietyForest Glen Preserve20301 East 900 North RoadWestville, IL 61883(217) 662-2142

Madison ArboretumUniversity of Wisconsin1207 Seminole HighwayMadison, WI 53711(608) 263 -7888http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/arboretum/

The Morton Arboretum Library4100 IL Route 53Lisle, IL 60532(630) 719 -7932http://www.mortonarb.org

National Wildflower Research Center4801LaCrosse AvenueAustin, TX 78739(512) 292-4200http://www.wildflower.org

The Nature ConservancyIL Field Office8 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 900Chicago, IL 60603(312) 346-8166http://www.nature.org

Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission(NIPC)222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800Chicago, IL 60606 (312 ) 454-0400Environment and Natural ResourcesDepartmenthttp://www.nipc.org

US Army Corps of EngineersPermit Evaluation Section ChiefUS Army Corps of EngineersRegulatory Branch111 N. Canal St.Chicago, IL 60606(312) 353-6400, x 4028 (for information aboutwetlands regulations)http://www.usage.army.mil/lrc

USDA: Natural Resources ConservationService (formerly the Soil Conservation Service):http://www.nrcs.usda.ga

Chicago:NRCSChicago Metro Urban & Community AssistanceOffice 313 W. Naperville Road, Suite JPlainfield, IL 60544815 - 577-3597


76

DuPage and Kane Counties:NRCS and Kane-DuPage Soil & WaterConservation District St. Charles Field Office545 Randall Rd.St. Charles, IL 60174(630) 584-9534 (NRCS)(630) 584-7961(SWCD)

Lake County:NRCS and Lake County Soil & WaterConservation District100 N. Atkinson Rd, Suite 102-AGrayslake, IL 60030-7805(847) 223-1056

McHenry County:NRCS and McHenry County Soil & WaterConservation DistrictWoodstock Field Office1143 N. Seminary, P.O. Box 168Woodstock, IL 60098(815) 338-0049 (NRCS)(815) 338-0099 (SWCD)

North Cook County:NRCS and North Cook Soil & WaterConservation DistrictAddress: P.O. Box 407, Streamwood, IL 60107Location: 899 Jay Street, Elgin, IL 60120(847) 468-0071 (NRCS)(847) 991-4330 (SWCD)

South Cook and Will Counties:NRCS and Will-S. Cook Soil & WaterConservation DistrictJoliet Field Office1201 Gouger Rd. New Lenox, IL 60451(815) 462-3106 (NRCS)(815) 462-3151 (SWCD)

United States Environmental Protection Agency77 West Jackson BoulevardChicago, Illinois 60604(800) 621-8431http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/

Wild Ones - Natural Landscapers, Ltd.PO Box 1274 Appleton, WI 54912-1274(877) 394-9453 (toll free)(920)730-3986 (local)http://www.for-wild.org

Sources of Native Seeds, Plants and GardenCatalogs

Company names mentioned on the followingpages are presented strictly for informationalpurposes; there is no implied endorsement orrecommendation. Other companies providematerials for natural landscaping. An exhaustivelisting is not possible for this type of publica-tion.

IllinoisBerthold Nursery434 E. DevonElk Grove Village, IL 60007(847) 439-2600

Blazing Star2107 Edgewood Dr.Woodstock, IL 60098(815) 338-4716http://www.blazing-star.com


77

Bluestem Prairie NurseryRoute 2, Box 92Hillsboro, IL 62049(217) 532-6344 (retail only)

Enders Greenhouse104 Enders DriveCherry Valley, IL 61016(815) 332-5255

Genesis Nursery23200 Hurd RoadTampico, IL 61283(815) 438-2220(plants for a variety of restoration activities,including wetlands)

LaFayette Home Nursery, Inc.Rt. 1, Box 1ALaFayette, IL 61449(309) 995-3311

Lee’s GardensPO Box 525986 Sauder RoadTremont, IL 61568(309) 925-5262(Woodland native plants, retail only)

Possibility Place Nursery7548 W. Monee RoadMonee, IL 60449(708) 534-3988http://www.possibilityplace.com

Spring Bluff Nursery41 W. 130 Norris RoadSugar Grove, IL 60554(708) 466-4278(retail only)

The Natural Garden38 W. 443 Hwy 64St. Charles, IL 60175(630) 584-0150

The Prairie Garden705 South KenilworthOak Park, IL 60304(708) 386-7495

Windsong Prairie Nursery5412 N Ridgeway RoadRingwood, IL 60072(815) 653-6936(seeds only)

Wisconsin Applied Ecological and Taylor Creek Restoration NurseriesP.O. Box 25617921 Smith RoadBrodhead, WI 53520(608) 897-8641http://www.appliedec.com

Johnson’s NurseryW 180 N 6275 Marcy RoadMenomonee Falls, WI 53051(414) 252-4988


78

Milaeger’s Gardens4838 Douglass Ave.Racine, WI 53402-2498(414) 639-2371

Prairie Future Seed CompanyPO Box 644Menomonee Falls, WI 53052-0644(414) 491-0685

Prairie NurseryPO Box 306Westfield, WI 53964(608) 296-3679Prairie Ridge Nursery9738 Overland RoadMt. Horeb, WI 53572(608) 437-5245http://www.prairieridgenursery.com

Reeseville Ridge NurseryPO Box 171 309 S. Main StreetReeseville, WI 53579(414) 927-3291

IndianaGardens on the Prairie3242 W. 169th StreetLowell, IN 46356(219) 690-0911

JF New Native Plant Nursery128 Sunset Dr.Walkerton, IN 46574(574) 586-2412http://www.jfnewnursery.com

Plant Sales held by Not-for-ProfitOrganizations:

IllinoisWildflower Preservation and PropagationCommittee (McHenry County Defenders)Held annually the first Sunday of May(815) 338-0393

Chicago Botanic GardenA Bloomin Sale1000 Lake cook RoadGlencoe, IL 60022-0440(847) 835-5440http://www.chicago-botanic.orgHeld annually in May; check for dates

IndianaFriends of the Indiana DunesNative Plant SaleIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore1100 N. Mineral Spring RoadPorter, IN 46304(219)926-7561, ext. 225http://www.nps.gov/indu/events/

Gibson Woods Wild OnesNative Plant SaleGibson Woods Nature Preserve6201 Parrish AvenueHammond, IN 4632-1266(219) 844-3188http://www.lakecountyparks.comHeld annually in April; check for dates


79

AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 55 FFAACCTT SSHHEEEETT:: WWHHAATT IISS NNAATTUURRAALLLLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG AANNDD WWHHYY IISS IITTBBEENNEEFFIICCIIAALL??

WWhhaatt iiss NNaattuurraall LLaannddssccaappiinngg??

Natural landscaping is the design, construction,and maintenance of landscapes which providethe beneficial natural functions that are lostthrough cultivation of conventional lawns.Natural landscaping stresses the preservationand reintroduction of plants native to our area.The native plants used in natural landscapingare hardy and attractive. They can be used tostabilize soil, reduce flooding, absorb pollutants,and sustain wildlife.

Conventional turf, composed of cool seasongrasses (e.g. Kentucky blue grass), is costly tomaintain; dependent upon environmentallydamaging chemicals; non-supportive of thediversity of organisms that are characteristic of ahealthy environment; and lacking in visualinterest.

WWhhyy iiss NNaattuurraall LLaannddssccaappiinngg BBeenneeffiicciiaall??

EEccoonnoommiicc BBeenneeffiittss

Reduced Costs of Landscape Installation andMaintenance

Natural landscapes do not require irrigation;they need no or infrequent mowing; lawn main-tenance services are not needed.

Reduced Costs of Stormwater Management

Natural landscaping reduces the amount ofstormwater runoff, thereby reducing infrastruc-ture costs. Stormwater conveyance and deten-tion facilities that replicate natural systems areless expensive to build and maintain.

Creation of Distinctive and Attractive Properties

The visual interest and diversity of natural land-scapes are assets to property owners and com-munities. Natural landscapes are a part of highquality design and environmental stewardship.

Support of the “Green Industry”

Natural landscaping is an increasingly impor-tant segment of the green industry. There areopportunities for business development, espe-cially in relation to landscape design and thepropagation and installation of plant materials.

EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaall BBeenneeffiittss

Reduced Soil Erosion

Native plants appropriately used on slopedsites, stream banks, drainage ways, and shore-lines can effectively hold the soil and reduceerosion.

Improved Water Quality

Native vegetation in naturalized drainage waysenhances the infiltration of contaminatedstormwater. The root systems improve soil per-meability and help the uptake of pollutants.


80

Vegetated buffers along streambanks and shore-lines intercept surface runoff and subsurfacewater pollutants. The avoidance of fertilizersand other chemicals is also a big factor in pro-tecting water quality.

Reduced Air and Noise Pollution

Lawn mowing equipment is a heavy air polluterand is noisy. Natural landscaping requires littleor no mowing.

Climatological Benefits

Native plants store large amounts of carbonwhich would otherwise exist in the atmosphereas carbon dioxide and contribute to globalwarming. Natural landscaping can provideshade and windbreaks to reduce costs of airconditioning and heating.

Habitat Restoration and Protection

Natural landscaping protects and restores habi-tats for wildlife. The introduction of nativeplants can enhance the populations of birds,insects, and animals which are essential compo-nents of healthy ecosystems.

Beautification

Natural landscaping can provide a diversity ofcolor and texture throughout the year which sig-nificantly contributes to the beauty of sites andcommunities.

EEdduuccaattiioonnaall aanndd RReeccrreeaattiioonnaall BBeenneeffiittss

Conservation Education

Natural landscaping puts people in touch withnature. Municipalities, school districts, park dis-tricts, forest preserve and conservation districts,as well as private educational organizations, canuse natural landscaping as an educational tool.

Recreation

Natural landscapes are ideal locations for birdwatching, photography, walking and hiking,and simply enjoying the quiet and beauty ofnature.

Scientific Study

Natural landscapes provide professional scien-tists and science students with outdoor laborato-ries for studying nature.

WWhhoo SShhoouulldd UUssee NNaattuurraall LLaannddssccaappiinngg??

Natural landscaping should be consideredwhere the ground surface is not required to bearintense usage. Wherever there is conventionallawn there is potential for small or large scaleconversion to natural landscaping. New devel-opment projects should consider natural land-scaping at the site design stage. Natural land-scaping is especially appropriate for:

*home sites and planned developments

*governmental properties: civic building sites,schools, and libraries


81

*corporate and office campuses

*institutional sites

*golf courses

*parks

*roadway right of way and utility corridors

*stormwater conveyance and detention areas

WWhhaatt CCaann II DDoo iinn mmyy CCoommmmuunniittyy ttoo PPrroommoottee tthhee

UUssee ooff NNaattuurraall LLaannddssccaappiinngg??

As a property owner you can install naturallandscaping on your own land and encourageother property owners to do likewise.

As a public official you can install natural land-scaping on new and existing public sites. Youcan adopt or amend the local weed ordinancesand development regulations so as to encouragenatural landscaping. You can provide informa-tion about natural landscaping to residents,developers, and civic organizations. You canidentify natural areas within the communitythat need to be preserved or restored. You cansponsor demonstration projects and award cre-ative efforts.

As a volunteer you can assist in the installationand monitoring of natural landscaping projects.You can work with local officials and conserva-tion organizations to promote natural landscap-ing.

As a developer you can include natural land-scaping as a component of new development

projects.

WWhheerree ccaann II ggoo ffoorr AAddddiittiioonnaall IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn??

United States Environmental Protection Agency77 West Jackson BoulevardChicago, Illinois 60604(800) 621-8431http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/

Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1800Chicago, Illinois 60606(312) 454-0400http://www.nipc.org


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AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 66:: SSAAMMPPLLEE LLOOCCAALL

OORRDDIINNAANNCCEESS

Chapter 4 discusses the role of local governmentin encouraging the use of natural landscapingand describes a range of regulatory approachesthat help eliminate local weed ordinances as adeterrent to natural landscaping.

The text of natural landscaping ordinances istoo voluminous to include in this document.Instead, several municipal ordinance sources areidentified here and full text can be found on theUSEPA web page:http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/

The Madison, Wisconsin natural lawn ordinanceexemplifies the permit approach:

“Any owner or operator of land in the City of Madison may apply for approval of a land management plan for a natural lawn, one where the grasses exceed eight (8) inches in height, with the inspection unit of the department of planning and development.”

The City of Madison has published “AnIntroduction to Naturalized Landscapes: AGuide to Madison Natural Lawn Ordinance,”which provides excellent supportive informa-tion, including sketches illustrating variousapproaches to using natural landscaping in resi-dential lots. There are tips on how to sustaincompatibility with neighbors who do not use

natural landscaping.

Harvard, Illinois takes a similar approach withinits weed ordinance by providing for exceptionsand a permit process for natural landscaping.Exceptions are for native planting, wildlifeplantings, erosion control, soil fertility building,government programs, educational programs,cultivation, biological control, parks and openspace, and wooded areas.

A model ordinance included in Bret Rappaport’sJohn Marshall Law Review article (Volume 26,Summer 1993, Number 4) takes the approach ofproviding for a setback:

1. Prohibition: untended, rank and undamagedgrowth of vegetation on any property within thecity which is visible from any public way, street,sidewalk or alley is declared to be a public nui-sance and may be abated in accordance with theprocedures set forth in articles 2-3 of the ordi-nance. This prohibition shall not apply to vege-tation native to [state or region], provided thereis a setback of not less than four (4) feet from thefront line of vegetation not in excess of eighteen(18) includes exclusive of trees and shrubs.

2. Procedure: the city shall issue a written cita-tion to a landowner whose property is in viola-tion of article 1 of this ordinance. This citationshall inform said landowner of the basis of thecitation and shall include the following informa-tion: 1) the date of any inspection and the nameof the inspector; and 2) the names and addressesof any neighbor(s) of the landowner or other


83

person(s) who contacted the city or was contact-ed by the city regarding the alleged violation ofarticle 1 of this ordinance. The citation shall beadjudicated in accordance with art. ___, of themunicipal code relating to adjudication of [traf-fic offenses].

3. Abatement and penalty: upon a finding ofguilty in accordance with article 2 of this ordi-nance, the landowner shall have twenty-eight(28) calendar days in which to abate the nui-sance. If he/she does not so act, the city maytake whatever reasonable action is necessary toabate the nuisance. The costs of such abatementshall be assessed against the landowner andshall constitute a fine, the collection of whichmay be made pursuant to the provisions of art.___[relating to imposing a lien on the property].

Long Grove, Illinois, a low-density conservationconscious community takes a comprehensiveapproach involving the creation of upland andlowland conservancy districts, as well as sceniccorridor districts. The municipality worksdirectly with the Illinois EPA to regulate burn-ing. The village has a conservancy/scenic corri-dor committee and an application and reviewprocess for residents wanting to make landscap-ing improvements within the conservancy dis-tricts. Residents are also provided with plantlists and lists of seed and plant sources.

The Milwaukee Audubon Society has promul-gated a model natural landscaping ordinancewhich establishes the right to landscape natural-ly provided the natural heritage or ornamental

garden does not encroach upon property owner-ship lines or right-of-way, and the owner/occu-pier complies with notice provisions:

“Section 1. Natural heritage and ornamentalgardens. Not withstanding any provision of anyother ordinance, an owner or occupier, who haswritten authorization of the owner, of residen-tial property may establish and maintain a natu-ral heritage or ornamental garden, providedthat:

a) Such a garden, or any portion thereof, doesnot encroach any property ownership line orpublic right-of-way: and, b). the owner or occu-pier complies with the notice provision ofSection 2.

Section 2. Notice if any natural heritage or orna-mental garden, or the combination thereof,occupies an area in excess of fifty percent of thesurface area of the property, not otherwise occu-pied by buildings, structures, or improvements,the owner or occupier shall file a notice with________. Such notice shall contain: a). Thename and address of the owner or occupier fil-ing the notice; b). A drawing or sketch thatdepicts the area of the garden ... c). In the case ofa natural heritage garden, the drawing shallidentify the type of natural community which isintended to be simulated.”

An ordinance proposed for Appleton, Wisconsinreads, in part, as follows:

“The ordinance recognizes the fundamentalright of every landowner to develop and main-


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tain his landscape in the manner of his choos-ing, insofar as it is not in a state of neglect, norpresents a hazard to the public health or safety,or to the agricultural environment.

(a) every landowner possessing lawns of the conven-tional bluegrass type shall be responsible for main-taining them at a height not to exceed eight inches.

(b) every landowner shall be responsible for thedestruction of all weeds on every parcel of landwhich he shall own or control.

The city acknowledges the desirability of per-mitting and encouraging the preservation andrestoration of natural plant communities withinits boundaries. It acknowledges its citizens’rights to enjoy and benefit from the variety,beauty, and other values of natural landscaping,including freedom from toxic chemicals, and itseeks to guarantee citizens the freedom to pur-sue restoration projects as viable and desirablealternatives to other conventional modes oflandscaping. In such cases, the city encourages,but does not require, landowners to discusstheir intentions with the weed commissionerbefore undertaking such endeavors.”

A proposed natural landscape ordinance fromthe national wildflower research center inAustin, Texas provides a broad legislative pur-pose to support natural landscaping and thenestablishes the right to landscape naturally:

“It shall be lawful to grow native plants, includ-ing ferns, grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees, in amanaged landscape design when said plants

were obtained not in violation of local, state orfederal laws. No commissioner or other agent ofthe [town, city, village, county, etc.] may under-take to damage, remove, burn, or cut vegetationon a preservation or restoration project or in anyother landscape incorporating native plants,except those specifically prohibited herein, andexcept on order of a court of record following ahearing at which it is established (1) that nox-ious weeds specifically named in the weed ordi-nance exist in such preservation or restorationprojects and that a condition creating a clear andpresent hazard to public health or safety hasarisen or (2) that the project is a threat to theagricultural economy. An action for a courtorder under this subsection shall be maintainedas an action to enjoin a public nuisance. A courtorder under this subsection shall provide thatthe destruction, cutting or removal of vegetationshall be selective unless general cutting, destruc-tion, or removal is necessary to eliminate theoffending condition.”

A 1996 proposal to amend the city and villagepowers in the state of Nebraska contained lan-guage pertaining to the weed control powers oflocal government, with the specific provisionthat:

“For purposes of this section, herbaceous vege-tation that endangers the public health, safety,and welfare does not include native grasses andplants indigenous to Nebraska that are (a) plant-ed and maintained as part of a garden or forlandscaping purposes or (b) planted and main-tained for erosion control, weed control, or des-


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ignated wildlife areas.”

Lisle, Illinois rewrote its weed ordinance, givingexception to native prairie grasses defining themas such:

8-4-1: DEFINITIONS:

NATIVE ILLINOIS PRAIRIE GRASSES: Plantsaccepted as native in the tallgrass prairies of theMidwestern United States and described as suchin the publication Plants of the Chicago Region,by Floyd Swink and Gerould Wilhelm (1994), orin subsequent editions of said publication.

The ordinance continues with requirements asfollows:

8-4-5: NATIVE ILLINOIS PRAIRIE GRASSES:

(A) Management; Nuisance: The Village herebydeclares that it shall be a nuisance if nativeIllinois prairie grasses are allowed to growuncontrolled, without limitation, and withoutproper management/maintenance and it shall beunlawful for any person owning or controllingland to permit native Illinois prairie grasses togrow or to remain on any lot, tract, or parcelunder that person’s ownership or control if theplants are grown:

1. In excess of a height exceeding twelve inches(12”) on lots, tracts or parcels of land with a per-manent structure erected or in the process ofbeing erected thereon, or contiguous thereto; or

2. In excess of a height exceeding eighteen inch-

es (18”) on all other lots, tracts or parcels ofland. (Ord. 95-2650, 5-15-1995)

(B) Controlled Burns:

1. Controlled open burning of landscape areasand landscape waste is permitted, in nonresi-dential areas of the Village but only if:

(a) A waiver is granted by the Vice Presidentand Board of Trustees pursuant to ordinance;and

(b) The petitioner has complied with all require-ments and conditions as stated in the “Village ofLisle Policies and Procedures RequestingGranting of a Waiver from the Village CodeOpen Burning Prohibitions February 7, 1995”, asamended from time to time.

2. Controlled burns shall not be conducted atanytime on land zoned in any residential dis-trict. (Ord. 98-2960, 2-16-1998)

(C) Requirements; Exceptions: The provisions ofsubsection (A) of this Section shall not applyprovided the person owning or controlling theland adheres to the following conditions contin-uously and simultaneously:

1. Management/Maintenance Plan: All nativeIllinois prairie grasses shall be mowed or cutdown to the height set forth for the weeds andturf grasses in Sections 8-4-3 and 8-4-4 of thisChapter no less than once every twelve (12)months. 2. Setback Requirements: The afore-mentioned height restriction shall not apply if


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the person owning the property or controllingthe property provides the required basic lot linesetbacks, structural setbacks, and graduated set-backs as follows:

(a) Minimum Basic Setbacks:

(1) A minimum basic lot line setback of five feet(5') from the perimeter of a lot, tract or parcel ofland must be provided for native Illinois prairiegrasses grown up to two feet (2') in height.

(2) A minimum basic structural setback of fivefeet (5') from the foundation of all buildings andfrom the edge of all decks and other structuresmust be provided for native Illinois prairiegrasses grown up to two feet (2') in height.

(b) Graduated Setbacks: A minimum one foot(1') of lot line setback and one foot (1') of struc-tural setback, in excess of the basic lot line andstructural setbacks required above, must be pro-vided for each additional foot of height of nativeIllinois prairie grasses grown in excess of grass-es grown to two feet (2') in height. (Ord. 95-2650, 5-15-1995)

Highland Park included a similar amendment totheir weed ordinance, and it reads as follows:

All areas shall be kept free from weeds or plantgrowth in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). Weedsshall be defined as all grasses, annual plants andvegetation other than trees or shrubs provided,however, this term shall not include cultivatedflowers and gardens, including but not limitedto native plantings used for aesthetic and/or

wildlife promotion, to attract and aid wildlife,and/or to offset and control any soil loss prob-lems either occurring or predicted. It shall bethe duty of any person owning, leasing, occupy-ing, or controlling any plot of ground in thejurisdiction to prevent the growth of noxiousweeds such as cockleburs, thistles, ragweed,burdock, and wild lettuce thereon.

In Orland Park, Illinois, special criteria are listedto promote the use of natural landscaping andinclude bonuses in the form of reduction inmeeting other requirements for the builder.Some of the criteria include:

*Landscaping should be designed to be natural looking while having proportion, balance, unity, variety of species, and variety of color throughout the seasons.

*Landscaping materials that are native to the area should be selected wherever feasible.

* Landscaping should provide massings of natural colors and shapes to offset the mass of a building and to provide a visual relief to the straight lines of building architecture, parking lots and other man-made features.

* Landscaping should provide a natural habitat for birds and other animal life, and should preserve existing natural vegetation and other natural features of a site so as to enhance overall site design and protect animal population and other ecologi-cal systems.


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ment. Such landscaping shall be in confor-mance with best management practices (BMPs)as determined by the Village of Schaumburg aspart of the NPDES program. Retention anddetention basins should be designed to resem-ble natural land forms, whenever possible.Trees, shrubs, turf and prairie plantings shouldbe located below the normal water line. Referto the Village of Schaumburg SubdivisionControl Ordinance, Section 151.09, for grading,seeding and sodding requirements on differentslopes.

*Landscaping should be innovative and creative, andshould ensure the proper long term maintenance andreplacement of landscaping as needed.

In Schaumburg, Illinois, an extensive biodiversi-ty ordinance was created, based on the develop-ment of their biodiversity recovery plan. Theirgeneral requirements for landscaping include:

Landscaping and Screening

(A) Purpose. The landscaping and screeningrequirements specified herein are intended tofoster aesthetically pleasing, environmentallybeneficial, and sustainable development thatwill protect and preserve the appearance, char-acter, general health, safety and welfare of thecommunity. Specifically, these regulations areintended to increase the compatibility of adja-cent uses requiring a buffer or screen betweenuses, and in doing so, minimize the harmfulimpact of noise, dust and other debris, motorvehicle headlight glare or other artificial lightintrusions and other objectionable activities orimpacts conducted or created by an adjoining ornearby use.

Requirements for detention and retention basinsare as follows:

(F) Detention and retention facilities.Landscaping shall be required around theperimeter of all retention and detention basins.Such landscaping shall consist of trees, shrubs,and emergent plantings in a quantity, species,and arrangement that will create an aestheticallypleasing and ecologically functional environ-


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The following tables represent 2003 costs. Costsvary among different firms, but overall savingsare similar.

Source: Applied Ecological Services, Inc.

Turf Grass Lawn with an Irrigation System vs. Native Prairie; from SeedEstimated Annual Cost Per Acre; for a Five-Acre Planting Project

Turf Grass LawnYear One Year Two Year Three Year Four Year Five Annual Thereafter

Installing Seed, Mulch and Fertilizer 2,770.00$ Mowing 2,400.00$ 2,500.00$ 2,600.00$ 2,750.00$ 2,900.00$ 3,000.00$ Fertilizer Application 750.00$ 765.00$ 770.00$ 780.00$ 790.00$ Irrigation System 4,000.00$ 400.00$ 500.00$ 500.00$ 600.00$ 750.00$ Municipal Water 1,500.00$ 800.00$ 800.00$ 800.00$ 800.00$ 800.00$ Aerating/De-thatching 850.00$ 875.00$ 1,115.00$

Annual Expense 10,670.00$ 5,300.00$ 4,665.00$ 5,695.00$ 5,080.00$ 6,455.00$

Total Cost After Five Years 31,410.00$

Native PrairieYear One Year Two Year Three Year Four Year Five Annual Thereafter

Installing Seed and 2-1/2" Plugs 4,300.00$ Mulching 675.00$ Mowing 800.00$ 400.00$ Spot Herbicide Treatment 200.00$ 500.00$ 500.00$ 330.00$ 200.00$ 150.00$ Prescribed Burn 2,125.00$ 2,150.00$ 2,200.00$ 550.00$

Annual Expense 5,975.00$ 3,025.00$ 2,650.00$ 330.00$ 2,400.00$ 700.00$

Total Cost After Five Years 14,380.00$

Notes: 1 Project size is 5 acres, continguous; costs are per acre for a project of this size Total Annual Cost2 Prairie installation includes seeding 20 species and planting 500 2-1/2" plugs Turf Prairie3 Prairie burn cost is based on one prescribed burn every four years Year One $10,670 $5,9754 Figures are not adjusted for inflation Year Two 5,300 3,0255 To compare turf grass lawn without irrigation, simply subtract irrigation system from Year Three 4,665 2,650

turfgrass cost Year Four 5,695 3306. Prairie seed and plug installation can be made less expensive by including fewer species Year Five 5,080 2,400 and fewer or no plugs Five Year Total 31,410 14,380


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Cost Comparison of turf and native landscape treatments (per acre costs)

Turf Grass Prairie Grasses

and Forbs Installation and Seed Costs Cost Notes Cost Notes

Seed & Installation $2,600 1 $2,600 4 Irrigation system $3,000 2 Ground preparation $1,300 3 $800 5 Irrigation related to installation $900 $7,800 $3,400

Annual Maintenance costs

mowing & trimming $2,500 Core aeration $250 6 Weed control and fertiliza tion $1,600 7 Irrigation (moderate to heavy) $1,200 8 Mow management (years 1 - 2) $2,000 Herbicide & burn management (years 3 - 5) $1,900 Annual burning (years 5 - ~) $1,200 9

$5,550 $1,600 10 Notes 1 - Tractor installed seed 2 - Inground irrigation system 3 - Finish grade establishment 4 - All seed, no plugs 5 - herbiciding and/or ground breakup 6 - May not be necessary every year and/or on every site 7 - 4 applications per year 8 - includes maintenance & operation or irrigation system and water 9 - Assumes weeds under control & only burn management required 10 - 10 year average Above costs are typical averages for a small site Costs will vary depending on site conditions, size of site, level of ground preparation, seeding rate, and desired appearance

Source: Conservation Design Forum


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10-year Cost Comparison of Turn to Native Prairie Grasses and Forbs (Based on 25-acre site)

Turf Grass Prairie Grasses & Forbs Year Cost Cost Savings

1 $298,000 $135,000 $163,000 2 $75,000 $5,000 $70,000 3 $75,000 $25,000 $50,000 4 $35,000 $25,000 $10,000 5 $35,000 $25,000 $10,000 6 $35,000 $3,500 $31,500 7 $35,000 $3,500 $31,500 8 $35,000 $3,500 $31,500 9 $35,000 $3,500 $31,500

10 $35,000 $3,500 $31,500 Total $693,000 $232,500 $460,500

Notes: Cost of burning substantially reduced due to 25 -acre site

Source: Conservation Design Forum


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10729 Pine Road, Leland, IL 60531 (815) 495-2300

Cost ComparisonTurf Grass Lawn from Seed with a Sprinkler System vs. Natural Area from Seed.

Year 1 2 3 4 5 10

Turf with a Sprinkler SystemInstall $5,200.00Mow $3,500.00 $3,500.00 $3,605.00 $3,713.15 $3,824.54 $4,433.69Fertilizer $525.00 $525.00 $540.75 $566.97 $583.98 $676.99Irrigation $5,600.00 $500.00 $515.00 $530.00 $545.90 $632.85Overseeding / Aerating $900.00 $927.00 $1,075.00

Annual Expense $14,825.00 $5,425.00 $4,660.75 $5,727.57 $4,954.52 $6,818.53

Total Turf Expenses to Date $14,825.00 $20,250.00 $24,910.75 $30,638.32 $35,592.84 $64,710.64

Native - Prairie, Savanna or WetlandInstall $3,500.00Herbicide (Pre-planting) $330.00 $198.00Weed Control $2,000.00 $2,250.00 $2,317.50 $500.00Burn Management $500.00 $515.00 $530.45 $546.36 $633.38

Annual Expense $5,830.00 $2,948.00 $2,832.50 $1,030.45 $546.36 $633.38

Total Native Expenses to Date $5,830.00 $8,778.00 $11,610.50 $12,640.95 $13,187.31 $16,175.03

Savings $8,995.00 $11,472.00 $13,300.25 $17,997.32 $22,405.43 $48,535.61Percentage Savings 61% 57% 53% 59% 63% 75%

Assumptions Total Project Area <1 Acre Water Cost Not CalculatedInflation Factor - 3% Irrigation - System Installation & Maintenance Labor Rate - Non Prevailing WageProfessional Landscape Maintenance Company Hired to Maintain Lawn.


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10729 Pine Road, Leland, IL 60531 (815) 495-2300

Cost ComparisonGolf Course Mowing (Rough & Non-Play) vs. Wildflower plus Short Grasses

Year 1 2 3 4 5 10 20MowingMow $2,000.00 $2,060.00 $2,121.80 $2,185.45 $2,251.02 $2,609.55 $3,507.01Fertilizer & Herbicide $250.00 $257.50 $265.23 $273.18 $281.38 $326.19 $438.38

Annual Expense $2,250.00 $4,567.50 $2,387.03 $2,458.64 $2,532.39 $2,935.74 $3,945.39

Total Turf Expenses to Date $2,250.00 $4,567.50 $6,954.53 $9,413.16 $11,945.56 $25,793.73 $60,458.34

Wildflower + Short Grass PlantingInstall $3,500.00Herbicide to Kill Lawn $350.00Weed Control - by owner $200.00 $220.00 $226.60Burn Management $1,000.00 $500.00 $515.00 $530.45 $614.94 $826.42

Annual Expense $4,050.00 $1,220.00 $726.60 $515.00 $530.45 $614.94 $826.42

Total Native Expenses to Date $4,050.00 $5,270.00 $5,996.60 $6,511.60 $7,042.05 $9,942.77 $17,203.82

Savings -$1,800.00 -$702.50 $957.92 $2,901.56 $4,903.51 $15,850.96 $43,254.52Percentage Savings -80% -15% 14% 31% 41% 61% 72%

Assumptions Total Project Area >1 AcreInflation Factor - 3%Owner Maintenance


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AAppppeennddiixx 99:: PPrreessiiddeenntt’’ss EExxeeccuuttiivvee

OOrrddeerr oonn BBeenneeffiicciiaall LLaannddssccaappiinngg

Executive Order 13148 of April 21, 2000

Greening the Government Through Leadershipin Environmental Management

By the authority vested in me as President bythe Constitution and the laws of the UnitedStates of America, including the EmergencyPlanning and Community Right-to-Know Act of1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001-11050) (EPCRA), thePollution Prevention Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.13101-13109) (PPA), the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.7401-7671q) (CAA), and section 301 of title 3,United States Code, it is hereby ordered as fol-lows:

PART 1—PREAMBLE

Section 101. Federal Environmental Leadership.The head of each Federal agency is responsiblefor ensuring that all necessary actions are takento integrate environmental accountability intoagency day-to-day decision-making and long-term planning processes, across all agency mis-sions, activities, and functions. Consequently,environmental management considerationsmust be a fundamental and integral componentof Federal Government policies, operations,planning, and management. The head of eachFederal agency is responsible for meeting thegoals and requirements of this order.

PART 6—LANDSCAPING MANAGEMENTPRACTICES

Sec. 601. Implementation.

a. Within 12 months from the date of this order,each agency shall incorporate the Guidance forPresidential Memorandum on Environmentallyand Economically Beneficial LandscapePractices on Federal Landscaped Grounds (60Fed. Reg. 40837) developed by the FEE intolandscaping programs, policies, and practices.

b. Within 12 months of the date of this order, theFEE shall form a workgroup of appropriateFederal agency representatives to review andupdate the guidance in subsection (a) of this sec-tion, as appropriate.

c. Each agency providing funding for nonfederalprojects involving landscaping projects shall fur-nish funding recipients with information onenvironmentally and economically beneficiallandscaping practices and work with the recipi-ents to support and encourage application ofsuch practices on Federally funded projects.

Sec. 602. Technical Assistance and Outreach. TheEPA, the General Services Administration(GSA), and the USDA shall provide technicalassistance in accordance with their respectiveauthorities on environmentally and economical-ly beneficial landscaping practices to agenciesand their facilities.


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PART 10—DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this order:

Sec. 1001. General. Terms that are not defined inthis part but that are defined in ExecutiveOrders 13101 and 13123 have the meaning givenin those Executive orders. For the purposes ofPart 5 of this order all definitions in EPCRA andPPA and implementing regulations at 40 CFRParts 370 and 372 apply.

Sec. 1002. “Administrator” means theAdministrator of the EPA.

Sec. 1003. “Environmental cost accounting”means the modification of cost attribution sys-tems and financial analysis practices specificallyto directly track environmental costs that aretraditionally hidden in overhead accounts to theresponsible products, processes, facilities oractivities.

Sec. 1004. “Facility” means any building, instal-lation, structure, land, and other propertyowned or operated by, or constructed or manu-factured and leased to, the Federal Government,where the Federal Government is formallyaccountable for compliance under environmen-tal regulation (e.g., permits, reports/ recordsand/or planning requirements) with require-ments pertaining to discharge, emission, release,spill, or management of any waste, contaminant,hazardous chemical, or pollutant. This termincludes a group of facilities at a single locationmanaged as an integrated operation, as well asgovernment owned contractor operated facili-

ties.

Sec. 1005. “Environmentally benign pressuresensitive adhesives” means adhesives forstamps, labels, and other paper products thatcan be easily treated and removed during thepaper recycling process.

Sec. 1006. “Ozone-depleting substance” meansany substance designated as a Class I or Class IIsubstance by EPA in 40 CFR Part 82.

Sec. 1007. “Pollution prevention” means “sourcereduction,” as defined in the PPA, and otherpractices that reduce or eliminate the creation ofpollutants through: (a) increased efficiency inthe use of raw materials, energy, water, or otherresources; or (b) protection of natural resourcesby conservation.

Sec. 1008. “Greening the Government Executiveorders” means this order and the series oforders on greening the government includingExecutive Order 13101 of September 14, 1998,Executive Order 13123 of June 3, 1999, ExecutiveOrder 13134 of August 12, 1999, and otherfuture orders as appropriate.

Sec. 1009. “Environmental aspects” means theelements of an organization’s activities, prod-ucts, or services that can interact with the envi-ronment.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

April 21, 2000.


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AAPPPPEENNDDIIXX 1100::

SSEELLEECCTTEEDD BBIIBBLLIIOOGGRRAAPPHHYY

NNaattuurraall LLaannddssccaappiinngg

Diekelmann, John; Schuster, Robert, 1982:Natural Landscaping - Designing with NativePlant Communities. New York: McGraw-HillBook Company.

Harker, Donald; Evans, Sherri; Evans, Mark;Harker, Kay; 1993: Landscape RestorationHandbook. Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers.

Henderson, Carrol L., 1987: Landscaping forWildlife. St. Paul: Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources.

BBiiooeennggiinneeeerriinngg

Apfelbaum, S. I., J.D. Eppich, T.H. Price, and M.Sands, 1995: “The Prairie Crossing Project:Attaining Water Quality and StormwaterManagement Goals in a ConservationDevelopment” in Proceedings from A NationalSymposium: Using Ecological Restoration toMeet Clean Water Act Goals, Chicago, IL.Northeastern Illinois PlanningCommission,1995.

Austin, Richard L., 1984: Designing the NaturalLandscape. New York: Van Nostrand ReinholdCompany.

Coppin, N. J., Richards, I.G., eds., 1990: Use of

Vegetation in Civil Engineering. Cambridge,Great Britain: University Press.

Dreher, D.W. and T. H. Price, 1992: BestManagement Practice Guidebook for UrbanDevelopment. Chicago,IL: Northeastern IllinoisPlanning Commission.

Gray, Donald H.; Leiser, Andrew T., 1989:Biotechnical Slope Protection and ErosionControl. Malabar, Florida: Krieger PublishingCompany.

Rust Environment and Infrastructure,“Streambank Stabilization Program,” August,1995, for the DuPage County Department ofEnvironmental Concerns.

VVeeggeettaattiioonn aanndd PPllaannttss ((GGeenneerraall))

Booth, Courtenay and James H. Zimmerman,1978: Wildflowers and Weeds. New York:Prentice Hall.

Lunn, Elizabeth T., 1982: Plants of the IllinoisDunesland. Waukegan, IL: Illinois DuneslandPreservation Society.

Mohlenbrock, Robert H., 1970: Flowering Plants- Lilies to Orchids. The Illustrated Flora ofIllinois. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UniversityPress.

Mohlenbrock, Robert H., 1982: Flowering Plants- Basswoods to Spurges. The Illustrated Flora ofIllinois. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UniversityPress.


Mohlenbrock, Robert, H., 1990: Flowering Plants- Nightshades to Mistletoe. The Illustrated Floraof Illinois. Carbondale: Southern IllinoisUniversity Press.

Newcomb, Lawrence., 1977: Newcomb’sWildflower Guide. Boston: Little Brown andCompany.

Swink, Floyd; Wilhelm, Gerould, 1994: Plants ofthe Chicago Region. 4th ed. Indianapolis:Indiana Academy of Science.

Werner, William E., Jr., 1988: Life and Lore ofIllinois Wildflowers. Springfield, IL: IllinoisState Museum.

Young, Dick, 1994: Kane County Wild Plantsand Natural Areas, Geneva, Illinois: KaneCounty Forest Preserve District. 2nd ed.

HHaabbiittaatt RReessttoorraattiioonn ((GGeenneerraall))

Anonymous, 1981: Illinois plants for habitatrestoration. Springfield: Illinois Department ofConservation.

PPrraaiirriiee

Costello, David F., 1969: The Prairie World -Plants and animals of the grassland sea. NewYork: Thomas Y. Crowell Company.

Duncan Patricia D., 1978: Tallgrass Prairie: TheInland Sea. Kansas City: The Lowell Press.

Kirt, Russel R., 1995: Prairie Plants of theMidwest: Identification and Ecology.Champaign, IL: Sties Publishing L. L. C.

Nicols, Stan; Entine, Lynn, 1978: Prairie Primer.University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Rock, Harold W., 1977: Prairie PropagationHandbook. 5th Edition. Wehr Nature Center:Whitnall Park.

Runkel, Sylvan T.; Roosa , Dean M., 1989:Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie: The UpperMidwest. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State UniversityPress.

Smith, J. Robert; Smith, Beatrice S., 1980: ThePrairie Garden - 70 Native Plants You Can Growin Town or Garden. Madison, WI: TheUniversity of Wisconsin Press.

Voigt, John, W.; Mohlenbrock, Robert H.: PrairiePlants of Illinois. Springfield, IL: IllinoisDepartment of Conservation, Division ofForestry.

WWooooddllaannddss

Miller, Robert W., 1988: Urban Forestry -Planning and Managing Urban Greenspaces.Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Mohlenbrock, Richard H.: Spring WoodlandWildflowers of Illinois. Springfield, IL: IllinoisDepartment of conservation.


WWeettllaannddss

Caduto, Michael J., 1990: Pond and Brook - AGuide to Nature in Freshwater Environments.Hanover, NH: University Press of New England.

Mohlenbrock, Robert, ed., 1988: A Field Guideto the Wetlands of Illinois. Springfield, IL:Illinois Department of Conservation.

Salvesen, David, 1990: Wetlands: Mitigation andRegulating Development Impacts. Washington,D.C.: ULI - the Urban Land Institute.

NNaattuurraall GGaarrddeenniinngg aanndd LLaawwnn AAlltteerrnnaattiivveess ffoorr

HHoommeeoowwnneerrss

Note: An increasing selection of books on thissubject is coming onto the market. The garden-ing section of most larger bookstores andlibraries will have many titles from which tochoose.

Austin, Richard L., 1986: Wild Gardening -Strategies and Procedures using NativePlantings. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Bormann, F. Herbert; Balmori, Diana; Geballe,Gordon T., 1993: Redesigning the AmericanLawn / A Search for Environmental Harmony.New Haven: Yale University Press.

Daniels, Stevie, 1995: The Wild LawnHandbook: Alternatives to the Traditional FrontLawn. Yew York: Macmillan.

Druse, Ken; Roach, Margaret, 1994: The Natural

Habitat Garden. New York: Clarkson Potter/Publishers.

Smyser, Carol A., 1982: Nature’s Design / APractical Guide to Natural Landscaping.Emmaus: Rodale Press.

Snyder, Leon C., 1991: Native Plants forNorthern Gardens. Chanhassen, MN: AndersenHorticultural Library.

Stein, Sarah, 1993: Noah’s Garden / Restoringthe ecology of your own back yards. Boston:Houghton Mifflin Company.

Wasowski, Sally; Wasowski, Andy, 1992:Requiem for a Lawnmower and other Essays onEasy Gardening with Native Plants. Dallas:Taylor Publishing Company.

Wilson, Jim, 1992: Landscaping withWildflowers / An Environmental Approach toGardening. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Wilson, William H. W., 1984: Landscaping withWildflowers & Native Plants. San Francisco:Chevron Chemical Company.

WWeeeedd OOrrddiinnaanncceess

Note: NIPC is collecting and keeping on fileordinances adopted by local communities.

Rappaport, Bret, 1993: The John Marshall LawReview. Chicago: The John Marshall LawSchool. The John Marshall Law Review, Volume26, Number 4, Summer 1993. Available at www.epa.gov/greenacres/


JJ.. PPrreessccrriibbeedd BBuurrnniinngg

Japsen, Eric N, K. Leigh, R. P. Sliwinski, andJ. M. Andersen, 2001: Midwest EcologicalPrescription Burn Crew Training Manual forChicago Wilderness Members. Rosemont,IL: Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD.

Note: Chicago Wilderness has additional informationon burn communication.