Dupage Policy Journal

Online ordering begins Aug. 1 for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s fall native tree and shrub sale, featuring 49 species grown locally from seed within 100 miles of DuPage County.

Orders can be picked up on Friday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon at St. James Farm in Warrenville. Gardeners must order trees and shrubs in advance; there will be no shopping during pickup times. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last and are subject to nursery availability.

Fall is considered the best time to plant native trees and shrubs as it provides an extra growing season before summer stress. Native trees go dormant during winter, which helps them survive the cold months.

Native trees and shrubs offer several benefits, including better adaptation to Illinois weather without needing fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or watering once established. They also enhance soil stability and provide food and habitat for native wildlife, including pollinators. The sale will feature seven species of oaks: bur, chinquapin, northern pin, red, shingle, swamp white, and white.

Proceeds from the sale support educational programming at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Gardeners can gain more insights by attending “Cocktails and Conservation: Native Trees and Shrubs” on Sept. 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. A panel of plant experts will discuss growing native trees and shrubs successfully. Registration for this event is $15 per person (21+), which includes one drink.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for over a century. More than 5.5 million people visit its preserves annually for various activities across its facilities.

For further information or registration details, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org.