Native landscaping

Houseleaves_Flaticon_34799Learn how to use native plants for landscaping to reduce maintenance costs and create a healthy, beautiful environment for people and nature.

Conservation@Home (Conserve Lake County)

Gardening with Wildflowers (University of Illinois Extension)


Local organizations

Grass_Flaticon_1534-64These local non-profits provide education about conservation in Mettawa and Lake County, Illinois.

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Conserve Lake County

MOLA_logoMettawa Open Lands Association

LCFP

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Lake County Audubon Society (An Illinois Chapter of the National Audubon Society)

Lake Cook Audubon (Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society)

Wildflowers

Violet32_Flaticon_9588Visual identification guides for native wildflowers.

Illinois Wildflowers Guide (Illinois Wildflowers)

Gallery of Illinois Plants (Illinois Natural History Survey)

Native Wildflowers of Northern Illinois (Rick Barton)


Invasive species

NO_Flaticon_4087Learn why invasive species are so harmful to a native environment, and what you can do to help.
Invasive Plant Species (Conserve Lake County)

Video: “Cultivating Awareness: Ornamental Plants Invading Natural Areas” (Midwest Invasive Plant Network)


Sustainable homes

Please see our Sustainable Options page.

Birdwatching

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Local birding organizations:

Online/mobile bird identification


Wildlife

Squirrel_Flaticon_23326Information about the native animals in this area.

Living with wildlife  (Lake County Forest Preserve District)

Living with White-tailed Deer (University of Illinois Extension)