Eco Friendly

Sometimes the grass really is greener…

…depending on the amount of water, mulch, pesticides, fertilizers, time and money used on the project. But if you are looking for a fun, ecologically friendly way to free yourself from the tyranny of your lawn, consider finding a plant and revitalization project in your area.

Local plants, having adapted to local conditions, are often easier to maintain than foreign imports and are better able to support local animal life. This often translates to a healthier ecosystem. Greater biodiversity helps keep pests under control by encouraging a healthy competition for resources, therefore limiting the overgrowth of any one species.

One example of private and corporate citizens working together to assure conservation is the Chicago Wilderness Habitat Project. Through a combination of data gathering, workshops, volunteer planting and conservation efforts, Chicago Wilderness boasts a networked area of more than 250,000 acres crossing three states (Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana) and several metropolitan areas containing almost 9 million people.

While some of the Wilderness areas are officially protected, much is not. It is managed through the efforts of corporate and private citizens who voluntarily take part in the program by encouraging natural species on the land around their work and homes. In addition to providing reserves for several endangered plant and animal species, the Chicago Wilderness is also a working model for how natural diversity can be successfully managed in and around an urban environment for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone.

For more information on the Chicago Wilderness, check out Habitatproject.org