Preserve Patchwork Habitats for Future Generations
Lake County has more endangered and threatened species than any other county in the state. To protect them, residents and communities are creating and restoring patches of native habitat that wildlife depends on.
But a critical gap remains.
We need a long-term process for protecting these Patchwork Habitats. Key challenges include:
- How can we help private property owners establish and manage conservation easements?
- Can we build a countywide network of Patchwork Habitat Champions to steward these vital habitats for future generations?
- How can we mentor Patchwork Habitat Champions in maintaining healthy habitats?
You can make a difference—get involved and become a Patchwork Habitat Champion!
- Contribute your passion and talents behind the scenes or in the field.
- Adopt a public or private Patchwork Habitat in your community.
- Work with others to develop lasting protections for Patchwork Habitats.
Future generations need your help securing lasting protection for our Patchwork Habitats.
Celebrate America250
To celebrate America250, we distributed 250 keystone-species saplings throughout our community. Keystone species sustain hundreds of other organisms—including mammals, birds, insects, fungi, plants, reptiles, and amphibians—by providing essential food, shelter, and habitat. Some species even depend entirely on oaks for survival. We are thrilled that a new generation of Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), and American Plum (Prunus americana) has found good homes and is thriving.
Highland Park Hospital Native Garden
Endeavor Health’s Green Team joined volunteers from community organizations dedicated to protecting and creating natural habitats to restore Highland Park Hospital’s native garden. Visible from the cancer infusion center, the garden offers patients and staff a peaceful, healing view.
We are grateful to this collaborative and enthusiastic team. Volunteers represented Aull Nature Preserve (AullNaturePreserve.org); Growing Native Habitat Lake Bluff (GrowingNativeHabitatLB.org); Habitat Highland Park (GoGreenHP.org/habitat-hp); Monarchs, Milkweed, and More (MonarchsMilkweedAndMore.com); Openlands (Openlands.org); and Wild Ones Lake to Prairie (LakeToPrairie.WildOnes.org).
The restored garden will support the well-being of both people and nature.
Stormwater Best Practices
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) uses plants, soil, and natural processes to capture, filter, and absorb rainfall where it lands rather than directing it immediately into concrete pipes and sewers.
A GSI project was installed along the Foster Avenue ditch in Knollwood. For details, see Foster Avenue Project: Ditch Maintenance with a Conscience.
Native plants provide several benefits:
- Reduce runoff volume and flow by slowing water, recharging groundwater, and sustaining stream baseflows.
- Improve water quality through deep roots that filter pollutants, increase infiltration, and help cool and cleanse the water.
- Create wildlife habitat that attracts birds and butterflies.
- Save time and money while reducing pollution associated with weekly mowing.
