Native Seed Nursery

WHERE IS THIS?
19876 W. Washington Street
Grayslake,IL 60030

Native Seed Nursery

Rare and hard-to-collect seeds of different native species are carefully grown here. The nursery gives our restoration ecologists access to these rare plants that were previously cost prohibitive or unavailable. We use the plants grown here to restore native habitat through the forest preserves.

Greenhouse

The greenhouse is used in late winter and spring to jump-start plants for the nursery grounds. Many species in the nursery are sensitive and do better when started in a controlled environment where it is possible to make the most of the small quantities of seeds.

Seed Processing Facility

Seeds are separated from unwanted plant materials, known as chaff, mixed and stored until time to reintroduce them into the preserves. Seeds are also collected in the preserves and brought to this facility to be processed and stored.

Nursery Grounds

A 5-acre mix of woodland, wetland and prairie plants is located just outside the greenhouse. This area is surrounded by deer fence to protect the growing plants.

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More About This Facility

Lend a Hand

Volunteers help propagate plants, plant plugs, maintain plant beds, and collect and process seed. Groups, adults, and families with children ages 10 and up are welcome to volunteer at the nursery.

History

Thanks to thousands of hours donated by volunteers annually, production at our seed nursery has grown steadily since its establishment in 2005.

Location

The Native Seed Nursery is located within Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve in Grayslake.

Contact information:

Native Seed Nursery Coordinator
SeedNursery@LCFPD.org | 847-276-5379
19876 W. Washington Street | Grayslake IL 60030