In the May issue of OP/FYI, the village newsletter carried a short article, “Parkway Plantings Can Pose Risks.” It made a lot of sense until the last sentence. “Any resident who wishes to plant something other than grass on the parkway … should contact the village forester.”
This was the same issue in which the lead story was “Oak Park Named State’s First Municipal Arboretum.” It’s good the village is promoting and protecting our trees, but at the time same time suggesting that only grass is suitable for a parkway may be inadvertently taking a step backwards and promoting biological deserts.
Native plants are a better alternative for the parkway. They don’t require mowing or lawn chemicals, and once established, need no watering. The wasted space of the parkway can become a haven for butterflies and birds. Packets of native seeds are only $2.50. If the village needs to do utility work and dig up the parkway, it is cheaper to replace native plants than to re-sod the lawn.
The seeds of these natives need only be planted a quarter of an inch deep, and that will not disturb either utility lines or tree roots. With a little care and planning, it is perfectly safe to have a little prairie plot in your parkway.
For more information, see the website for West Cook Wild Ones (www. http://westcook.wildones.org), a local group promoting native plants.
Steven Olderr
Oak Park
