Lake County Forest Preserves to Hold Native Plant Sale

Over 70 varieties of sun-loving, shade-loving and savanna plants will be available for purchase at the Lake County Forest Preserves’ 16th annual Native Plant Sale. We've teamed up with SWALCO and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission again this year to sell rain barrels and compost bins at the plant sale.

Stop by Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville Saturday, May 11, from 9 am to 3 pm, and Sunday, May 12, from 10 am to 3 pm, to purchase native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, vines and trees that thrive in local gardens. Rain barrels and composts bins will be available Saturday only as supplies last.

Held annually on Mother’s Day weekend, our Native Plant Sale is a fundraiser benefiting our Environmental Education programs and events. This year’s native plant list includes a full variety of unique flowers, ferns and grasses. 

View the complete list of native plants and sale details.

Native plants naturally thrive in Lake County soil and weather, requiring less time, effort and expense to maintain. They provide valuable food and shelter to native birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Because of the variety, ease of growing, and environmental benefits, native plants have become increasingly popular among professional landscapers and gardeners in recent years.

Rain Barrels and Compost Bins

On Saturday, May 11, compost bins and rain barrels will also be availabe in the North Bay Pavilion parking lot (Lot K) at Independence Grove. This is a joint effort coordinated by SWALCO and Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. Using rain barrels, practicing backyard composting and planting native species are all sustainable and environmentally sound practices that will not only be good for your pocketbook, but for your home, community and beyond. Bin and barrel quanities are limited, first-come, first-served.

Independence Grove is located on Buckley Road (Route 137) east of Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and west of I-94. Follow signs to the North Bay Pavilion for the sale.

Patrons of the Native Plant Sale are reminded that while service animals are welcome at Independence Grove, dogs, horses and other pets are not allowed.

—The Lake County Forest Preserve District submitted this information.