The Riverwoods Preservation Council (RPC) was established as a forum for the environmental issues that affect our Village. As residents of Riverwoods, we share our 'habitat' with the habitats of many native Midwest plants and animals. RPC offers opportunities and events for education and discussion. It gives residents a voice with our local government to do our best to protect the ecological treasure that is Riverwoods. Click to learn more about the RPC... (The Riverwoods Preservation Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation. All contributions to the RPC are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contributions may be mailed to: Riverwoods Preservation Council P.O. Box 122 Deerfield, IL 60015-0122) The Riverwoods Preservation Council has been accepted as a member of the Chicago Wilderness consortium. 2007 Meeting Dates  ~  Join us at the Riverwoods Village Hall

Next meeting: April 23rd Come to our bi-monthly meetings to discuss environmental issues important to our Village. We welcome new faces and new ideas. You can make a difference. Where: 300 Portwine Road When: 7:30 PM Check dates for possible changes. "There is an often-expressed belief among some ecologists that damaged ecosystems, if merely left alone long enough, can "recover" through "natural succession". Those who make this claim seem to rely on the idea that so long as the "structure" of a system is present, the "system" is present, or perhaps base the claim on the belief that all of the original genetic components of the system are still "around" and need only be "dispersed" back to the site. We have seen little hard evidence that this is the case in the contemporary landscape. Rather, it seems that our remnant natural areas are less like the segments of worms, and more like the nerves of human beings - once they are severely damaged they rarely grow back. There is more to woodland than trees, and prairie than grass. Nature does not seem to be obedient either to the learned theories and elaborate models of the day or to the wishful thinking of well-meaning land managers." Swink & Wilhelm, Plants of the Chicago Region, 1994

Think "Spring" Soon the snow will turn to rain -- we will be cleaning up leftover fallen leaves, digging in our gardens and grilling veggies. Get ready to recycle...think "Spring". Here are two ideas to consider: Install a rain barrel - save natural water for your garden and flower pots, especially useful during weeks of drought Compost kitchen and yard waste - recycle the nutrients, don't just throw them out You can learn more about rain barrels and composting and order a barrel or bin from the Lake County Forest Preserve District website. Click here for more information.   Rain Barrel and Compost Bin

Interesting Links to Explore
Enjoy the outdoors ~ take a class ~ volunteer
Lake County Forest Preserve District - check this site for events and recreational opportunities
Ryerson Woods Conservation Area - a beautiful forest preserve conservation area on Riverwoods Road
The Chicago Botanic Garden - events for every season and classes for a variety of interests
The Morton Arboretum - "a place for trees, a place for people, a place for fun"
Landscape with native plants ~ get answers to gardening questions
Backyard Woods- tips and resources for tree care from The National Arbor Day Foundation
The Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Information
The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic
University of Illinois Extension - Yard & Garden Solutions
U.S. EPA - Landscaping with Native Plants Factsheet - resources and answers to many native landscaping questions
Wild Ones - a national organization that promotes natural landscaping and native restoration
Native Flora
Green Landscaping with Native Plants - photos and habitat information about some common local native forbes, grasses and sedges
Illinois Grasses, Sedges and Non-flowering Plants - photos and information about habitat and cultivation
Illinois Prairie Wildflowers - learn about the Illinois prairies; photos and information about flowering plants
Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) - identify the native trees in your backyard
MissouriPlants.com - a site that can help you identify midwest native wildflowers
Native Fauna
Barnswallow Wild Bird Concern - raptor rescue and rehab facility; call 847-487-3606 if you find an injured raptor
Butterflies and Dragonflies of Illinois - information and photos (click on the scientific names to see photos)
Cornell Lab of Ornithology - all about birds
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Guide - look up specific birds to learn their habitat, songs, descriptions
Frog and toad calls - in case you've ever wondered (Upper Midwest frogs and toads)
Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation - a local program for injured and orphaned wildlife (except skunks, bats or raccoons)
Illinois Audubon Society - Lake-Cook Chapter: field trips and programs about birds and wildlife
Illinois Department of Public Health - Mosquitoes
Insects in Illinois - which bugs are visiting your wildflowers?
What's That Bug? - insects from all over the country and the world; send in a photo to identify one you can't find on the site
Invasive Plants and Animals in the Midwest
Chicago Botanic Garden - list and photos of invasive plants in the Chicago region
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) - photo gallery and information about Illinois exotic invasives
National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) - Invasive species lists, descriptions, maps, watch lists and more
The United States National Arboretum ~ Invasive Plants - more on invasive plants with a link to Illinois
Wisconsin DNR - learn to identify and control invasive species
Environment and Ecology
Chicago Wilderness - lots of info from the largest alliance of natural areas in t=he Chicago region
Community Benefits of Open Space - learn economic and ecological benefits of preserving our environment
Environmental Freebies - links to free activities, clip art, photos and information about the environment, safety and health
Lake County SaveWater - information about water in Lake County, including resources and references
Mother Earth News - news and views on environmental issues, organic gardening and other topics
Green Architecture & Green Living
Edens Lost & Found - practical solutions and models for sustainable building
SustainableHome.org - find resources to make your own home "greener"
Eco Products - biodegradable paper and plastic products
"Green Building Resource Guide" - by John Hermannsson, 1997

Village of Riverwoods

Questions?
Email us at riverwoodsrpc@comcast.net