Good Steward Ecoscapes

10/31/2025

Illinois updated the Exotic Weeds Act which limits species for sale in the state. If you have these species, removal is recommended due to their invasiveness in local ecosystems.

9 new invasive plants can no longer be bought, sold, distributed, or planted in Illinois with the recent expansion of the Exotic Weeds Act by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources:
- Callery pear
- Tree-of-heaven
- Garlic mustard
- Leafy spurge
- Sericea lespedeza
- Japanese stiltgrass
- Amur corktree
- Black and pale swallowwort

The new species were recommended after being reviewed by the Illinois Invasive Species Council, which includes stakeholders from state and local governments, the nursery and landscaping industry, research institutions, and non-profit organizations.

The regulations take effect immediately, except for callery pear, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2028, allowing a phase-out period for growers to reduce their stock of planted trees.

Read more at https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/nine-new-invasive-species-regulated-illinois-expansion-exotic-weeds-act

Explore more about invasive species identification and management at https://go.illinois.edu/Invasive

10/08/2025

Great news from the Forest Preserve District of Will County! Sadly as our forest preserves grow, so do our suburbs. Homeowners also need to participate via habitat management, or what we like to refer to as "Backyard Conservation". Last winter I wrote a 13-article series on how we can improve and support wildlife populations in our own backyards via a concept called "Stewardship Gardening". Head on over to our website to read it. The first article is free, articles 2-13 are accessible via a membership. Thank you! https://www.goodstewardecoscapes.com/post-1/categories/guide-to-stewardship-gardening

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has acquired nearly 500 acres in Crete Township, its second largest land purchase in history. The property will expand the Plum Creek Greenway, protect rare habitats and offer future recreation opportunities.

09/18/2025

Friendly reminder our plant sale is tomorrow and Saturday at Wild Birds Unlimited, Joliet! Walk the Forest Preserve and buy some native plants - what a wonderful way to spend a couple hours this weekend.

09/16/2025

Hello all, Our Fall Native Plant Sale at Wild Birds Unlimited is this Friday and Saturday!!

09/05/2025

Day 3 of the waterfall build is complete. If all goes well we will have running water tomorrow!

09/03/2025

Day 1 of the waterfall build for my father is complete! Should we call it Abba Falls?

08/28/2025

Birds need native plants to thrive! Studies show birds only get about 20% of their nutrition from feeders. Using native plants in the landscape is essential to support our feathered friends.

🌼✨ Leave the Flowers Be! ✨🌼

As summer winds down, it may be tempting to tidy up your garden by deadheading flowers—but resist the urge! Those dried, seed-filled flowerheads are nature’s bird feeders. 🌻

Birds like American Goldfinches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Sparrows, and Finches depend on seeds from spent blooms in fall and winter. By leaving them in place, you’re providing an important, natural food source just when birds need it most.

Remember—our yards and gardens play a big role in bird feeding. 🌱 They offer:
🌰 Seeds, nuts, berries, and insects for nutrition
🏠Shelter and habitat for birds and pollinators

Feeders give birds a reliable boost of supplemental nutrients, but the best care comes from providing both natural food and feeders in your backyard habitat.

🌿 Want to add more bird- and pollinator-friendly plants to your yard? Don’t miss our **Fall Native Plant Sale, Sept. 19th & 20th -made possible with our partnership with Good Steward Ecoscapes **, and give local wildlife the gift of food and habitat for years to come.

08/18/2025

I'm excited to present "Feeding Wild Birds (with Native Plants)" to the Plainfield Area Public Library!

08/13/2025

Day 17(?) is complete on this native shade install. Weather has been super weird the past few weeks. No live video because Instagram changed their rules.

Pictured are the Pennsylvania Sedge & Path Rush matrix that is low-growing for the dog to run around. We also have the Cardinal Flowers in bloom right now. The last time I was here I saw a hummingbird!

SN:
Carex pennsylvanica
Juncus tenuis
Lobelia cardinalis

07/31/2025

This post has been on my mind for about a month. I decided to wait to post it so it wouldn't be a rant. I have provided some resources to help you out in case anyone gets confronted by code enforcement or an inspector.

Weeds, Pests, and Code Enforcement, how much liberty does the average American have with their yard? Here are some sources to help.