For Spring 2023, the Landscape Advisory Commission (LAC) sponsors a native plant replacement program targeting Buckthorn, Tree of Heaven, and Bush Honeysuckle on private property. If you remove (or have removed) one of these non-native invasive plants from your yard, the LAC will give you a native tree or shrub.
Native plants are well adapted to tolerate our Midwestern climate extremes, including wet Springs, dry Summers, and arctic Winter blasts. Since most natives have deep roots, they are beneficial for breaking up soil and reducing flooding. Native plants also support wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies. Invasive non-native plants enter an area, grow out of control and choke out native plants.
Please do your part to help our collective landscape and participate in our Trade-In program this spring! Get all the details, including help identifying invasive plants, on our webpage at www.riverside.il.us/lactrade.