Find the perfect native tree or shrub for your yard by shopping the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s Fall Native Tree and Shrub Sale.

Online ordering begins Aug. 1, and trees and shrubs can be picked up Friday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at St. James Farm in Warrenville. Gardeners must order trees and shrubs in advance; they will not be able to shop at St. James Farm. Orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last and are subject to nursery availability.

The sale will feature 41 different species of native trees and shrubs all grown locally from seed within 100 miles of DuPage County. 

Fall is the best time to plant native trees and shrubs. It gives them an extra growing season before the stress of summer, and there’s no need to worry about young native trees surviving winter because they go dormant — the plant equivalent of hibernation.

Native trees and shrubs are good garden additions because they are better equipped to handle Illinois weather conditions and don’t require fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides or watering once established.

They provide greater soil stability and food and habitat for native wildlife, including pollinators. Native oaks are especially important because they are a keystone species, meaning many other plants and animals rely on them for food and shelter.

All proceeds from the Fall Tree and Shrub Sale go to support educational programming at the Forest Preserve District.

 

Gardeners can also learn more about native trees and shrubs by signing up for our fun programs.

 

Native Landscaping: Shrubs & Trees 101
Join our panel of plant experts for an evening of discussion and problem-solving. You will get the chance to have your questions answered as we address common challenges and share tips on successfully growing native trees and shrubs in your space. Ages 18 and up. $10 per person. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

 

Cocktails and Conservation: Homegrown Happy Hour
Learn how to craft easy and delicious cocktails and mocktails using native plants so you can enjoy your own delicious homegrown happy hour. Enjoy two drink tastings while learning about edible native plants, and then create a garden-to-bar favorite concoction to take home. Ages 21 and up. $20 per person. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

 

 Cocktails and Conservation: Mason Jar Mixology
Learn how to make tangy and refreshing cocktails or mocktails using infusions made with ingredients from native shrubs and trees. Grab a mason jar, and make your own infusion to take home while enjoying two drink tastings and getting great info on native plants. Ages 21 and up. $20 per person. Register online or at 630-933-7248.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok pages.

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