Forest Preserves of Cook County 2023 Summer Brochure

A CENTRAL HIKE OR WALK Strap on your boots or walking shoes and hit 350+ miles of trails PADDLE Enjoy nature from the water while canoeing CLIMB THE STAIRS Take on the steps at Swallow Cliff-North or Dan Ryan Woods VOLUNTEER Cut down buckthorn and hand weed invasive species BIKE Pump those pedals while cycling or mountain biking GOLF Hit the links at our courses or practice your swing at our driving range 23 fpdcc.com A CENTRAL Native plants are more sustainable Local native plants have evolved over millennia to survive and thrive in the conditions common to the ecosystems found in northeast Cook County. They require less watering, a d d not require fertilizers to flourish. N tive plants typically have deeper root systems, which can help prevent stormwater run-off and soil erosion while cleaning the water before it hits waterways. Additionally, native plants absorb and sequester carbon dioxide, helping to clean the air we breathe. Interested in learning more? Check out offerings for Conservation@Home, a program to encourage “Forest Preserves friendly” gardens across Cook County! Through t the year, join us for fre programs ranging from how to map your garden’s landscape design to learning how to integrate garden elements that benefit resident birds throughout the seasons. You can even have your garden evaluated for Conservation@Home certification. Learn more: fpdcc.com/conservationathome Purple Prairie Clover June Grass Cylindric Blazing Star Buffalo Grass White Indigo Little Blue Rosin Weed Native plants provide depth and dimension to gardens Native plantings can provide an array of color, texture and dimension to any garde . From wildflowers to shrubs to grasses, there is a vast array of beautiful native plants that gardeners can integrate into home or community landscapes to create a peaceful and relaxing outdoor space. 23 fpd c.com