New native plants featured at Dickson-Murst Farm

Dickson-Murst Farm in Montgomery is in full bloom thanks to the efforts of volunteers

and staff in planting eight different species of more than 30 native plants, including
perennials, grasses, sedges, shrubs, and trees. The Farm serves as the program office
for The Conservation Foundation.

Homeowners can replace lost habitats in their yards by planting native plants rather
than traditional home landscaping, to give native birds and butterflies what they need
in the way of food. The very best birds in our region need insects and berries every day
to survive.

Native plants evolved over thousands of years and provide quality wildlife habitat and
food sources. Many also have deep roots which help infiltrate rain where it falls and
carry the moisture into the ground, cleaning it as it goes, rather than running off the
surface. Loss of open space and wildlife habitat and rainwater runoff are the leading
causes of environmental degradation in developed areas.

The new native plants installed at the Dickson-Murst Farm are mainly shrub species
that provide habitat and food sources, as well as aesthetic value with flowers and fall
color. The plants include bottlebrush buckeye, black chokeberry, vernal witch-hazel,
early wild rose, arrowwood viburnum, ninebark, dwarf honeysuckle, and smooth
hydrangea. Many native and non-native plants can have similar common names, so
when choosing plants, it is always advisable to select using specific species names,
rather than common names.

The Conservation Foundation is one of the regions largest and oldest private
conservation organizations -- with more than 4,000 members and donors, and more
than 500 volunteers who contribute 20,000 hours per year.

Work is focused in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties to preserve and restore
nature in your neighborhood. Find out more at theconservationfoundation.org.


Photo caption: Dr. Craig Stevenson (r), of Plano, Advisory Council member, and staff
intern Ellen Potocsnak, of Naperville, planting native shrubs at the Dickson-Murst Farm
in Montgomery.


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The Conservation Foundation
McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville, IL 60565
theconservationfoundation.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 15, 2014

Contact John Church, 630-553-0687, ext. 204