Native gardens are beautiful islands of biodiversity that meet many of our conservation goals by preserving clean water, reducing energy consumption, sequestering carbon, eliminating pesticides, and providing essential habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and threatened pollinators. Plus, native gardens are just plain beautiful! See for yourself and get a sneak peek at last year's West Cook Wild Ones’ gardens: Padlet

Need a little more convincing? Check out 2018 West Cook Wild Ones "trailer": Into the Wilderness--Without Leaving the Suburbs.

This tour offers you an opportunity to visit 8 private and public gardens in Oak Park and River Forest that are brimming with life and beauty. The host gardeners are excited to walk you through these treasured spaces. Each stop on the tour is unique, reflecting each gardener’s interests. You will see and hear about how these gardens are making important contributions to sustaining life on this planet.

Many of the plants on view are not widely known or used in gardens so here's your chance to learn about Illinois’ unique, under-used plants. Let's develop a sense of place that reflects Illinois’ rich natural history heritage too.

You will receive a map by e-mail the day before the tour. Be sure to check your e-mail on Friday 8/9. :)

Online ticket sales end 8/8/19 at 11:59 PM. You can purchase tickets the day of event for $15 non-members and $12 for Wild Ones members at Trailside Museum. Children attend free. With support from PlanIt Green and Interfaith Green Network.