Skokie Park District’s native habitat areas were made possible by a generous grant from the Illinois Clean Energy 2020 Pollinator Meadows Grant program.
At Skokie Sport Park, one acre of turf was converted to Illinois native plants in order to provide food and habitat for birds, pollinators and other local fauna. The native flowers and grasses planted are accustomed to the ecology of our region and do not require additional water or fertilizer once established.
At Hamlin Park an additional one acre was converted to Illinois native plants. This section of the Native Habitat Area was created by Skokie Park District staff, volunteers, the Student Conservation Association’s Women’s Crew and the hard work and support of an Eagle Scout community from Boy Scout Troop 923.
This native planting will help create a base for a food web that attracts pollinators and insects which produces food for birds and small mammals which in turn provides food for larger animals that keep our ecosystem in balance.
Here are some of the native plants and flowers that you'll find in our Native Skokie Parks areas:
Click on thumbnail image for a larger view.
Photos by Bill Glass except where noted*.