Protect Native Plants in Your Yard
Highland Park is home to many wildflowers, particularly those that grow in the woodland. However, many of the places wildflowers grow have been lost to development, or lawns. If you have a naturalized area on your property, you may be able to find wildflowers growing there.

Look for trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, bluebells, and meadowrue, as well as prairie species such as golden alexander, prairie dock, compass plant, and wild onion. The Highland Park Library is an excellent source for reference materials to help identify native flora in your backyard.

Once you have found a patch of native plants, you’ll want to protect them. Clear away any buckthorn or honeysuckle shrubs that may be shading out the area. Educate your garden help about the special nature of these plants. In addition, limit use of fertilizers and herbicides around these native species.

To order a copy of "Habitats: A Guide to Natural Landscaping in Highland Park," contact the City Forester at 847-926-1149.

Highland Park's "Weed" Ordinance
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 174 of "The Highland Park Code of 1968," as amended, to allow for the planting and cultivating of Native Plant Species.

Effective: September 14, 1998
PM-303.4 Weeds: All areas shall be kept free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 10 inches (254 mm). Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation other than trees or shrubs provided, however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens, including but not limited to native plantings used for aesthetic and/or wildlife promotion, to attract and aid wildlife, and/or to offset and control any soil loss problems either occurring or predicted. It shall be the duty of any person owning, leasing, occupying, or controlling any plot of ground in the jurisdiction to prevent the growth of noxious weeds such as cockleburs, thistles, ragweed, burdock, and wild lettuce thereon."

Wildflowers Bloom in Wet Areas
On September 18, 1998, the seeds of nearly 20 varieties of native wildflowers and grasses were sown in the detention basin in front of Hidden Creek Aqua Park. New England Aster, Purple Coneflower, Prairie Blazingstar, Black-Eyed Susan and grasses such as Big Bluestem, Switchgrass and Wild Rye will soon greet passersby on their way into Highland Park’s central business district.

The project was initiated by the Environmental Commission and approved by the City Council as a way to showcase native flowers, beautify the City’s gateway, and help improve the quality of water running out of the basin into the Chicago River (Native plants, with long tap roots, serve to absorb and filter runoff water).

The prairie will take about three years to reach maturity. Weeds will be controlled by periodically mowing the basin during 1999. Once established, the perennial wildflowers should last for approximately 50 years, with minimal management. Mowing will remain necessary every 3-5 years, to remove dead plant accumulation. No herbicides or pesticides will be needed, thereby eliminating chemical properties in runoff from the detention basin. Moreover, it is expected that the flowers will attract an array of birds and butterflies to the area.

Take a Hike: EC Sponsors Trail
The latest extension to the City’s Greenways path system, the Highland Park Country Club Trail, connecting West Park Avenue and Half Day Road, is now open. The path allows walkers, runners, bikers and in-line skaters to travel along a curving trail lined with beautiful natural areas, including wetlands and a lowland forest.

In 1996, the Environmental Commission helped restore the Highland Park Woods, adjacent to the Country Club. Working with City and Park District staff, members took the lead in cleaning, clearing and selectively burning the area to return it to a healthy natural environment. Residents will find the "trailhead" on the east behind the Country Club tennis courts, and on the west at Half Day Road and Western Avenue.