Those of us who have been incorporating native plants into our landscapes for many years can agree that some of those early attempts were experiments with limited sources to help in decision making.. That has changed. There are now many excellent resources to assist in creating beautiful spaces that are environmentally valuable and enjoyable. There’s an App or Online Resource for That! introduces a number of Apps and digital resources that help avoid mistakes and create gardens that welcome birds, pollinators, fireflies, butterflies and more to our yards while avoiding the harmful chemicals and polluting practices that are required by the traditional American lawn. Whether you are new to native gardening or an experienced veteran, there are resources to help you:
- choose plants with high environmental value
- choose plants that are appropriate for your region and the conditions in your space
- identify plants, fungi, insects and birds
- use native plants to protect and support wildlife
- plan and creating a beautiful, successful project
- enjoy the birds and visitors that find your garden
About Our Speakers
Sandy Washburn discovered natives when she retired from a career in education and has been hooked ever since. She has served on the Lake-to-Prairie Wild Ones board for a number of years and presently serves as president. She is also a Master Gardener, volunteers on a Lake County Forest Preserve restoration team and helps coordinate a garden project in Highland Park that benefits the local food pantry. Her goal: help others avoid some of the mistakes she has made in her native plant journey while sharing the many benefits of adding natives to your landscape.
Matt Tobin has been actively birding in Lake County for over 4 years and likes to bring the joy and appreciation of birds to others. He is on the Board of the Lake County Audubon Society where he leads bird walks and is actively involved with Sharing Our Shore–Waukegan, a program that focuses on bird monitoring and increasing public awareness and support for lakefront conservation. He is currently involved with the monitoring effort to bring back the federally endangered Great Lakes piping plover to the Illinois lakeshore. During the summer breeding season, he monitors multiple sites for the Bird Conservation Network’s breeding bird surveys and also checks a bluebird nest box route at a local forest preserve.