The Forest Preserves is once again supporting the West Cook Wild Ones Native Plant Sale to help area gardeners find native trees and shrubs that help provide food and shelter for birds and insects, absorb rainwater and, of course, make yards beautiful!

Early fall is a great time to plant native trees and shrubs—cooler temperatures and fall rains help new transplants develop strong root systems that will be ready to support new plant grow in the spring.

Try replacing your invasive burning bush with the equally beautiful native wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus). Looking for something edible? Make jam from the fruit of your new elderberry (Sambucus nigra) or harvest some Indiana bananas from your paw paw (Asimina triloba). Go big and choose from one of five available oak species to add some shade to your yard and help with future home energy costs.

Order your trees and shrubs by September 10. Plant pick up is on September 25 at 405 South Euclid Avenue, Oak Park, IL.

Once you have your trees and shrubs in the ground, consider having your yard certified as “Forest Preserves Friendly” through the Conservation@Home program.

The Fall Native Plant Sale is supported by West Cook Wild Ones, Conservation@Home, Green Community Connections, University of Illinois Extension, Interfaith Green Network and Forest Preserves of Cook County.