Encouraging Environmentally Sound Landscape Practices
Conservation@Home Cook County recognizes and certifies properties that demonstrate environmentally sound landscape practices. Through the Conservation@Home certification program, residents of Cook County have the opportunity to shape their private and community landscapes in a conservation-minded way with guidance and criteria provided for them. Below you will find criteria for homes, schools, and community settings.
This program is brought to you by the partnership of Forest Preserves of Cook County and University of Illinois Extension.
Cook County Yard Certification Process
For a one-time fee of $50, certified home gardeners will receive a Conservation@Home sign to post in their yard, a subscription to our seasonal newsletter, and early notifications/discounts during native plants sales. *Fee waivers are available for those with financial needs.
Rainscaping in Cook County
This 6-part series workshop in Cook County will provide you with the tools and skills needed to design, install and maintain a rain garden on your residential property. Through hybrid training, garden tours, and coaching sessions, you will walk away with your own personalized rain garden plan. To participate, participants will pay a $40 deposit and will receive a $200 stipend to build a rain garden after completion of all sessions and submittal of your personalized plan.
Conservation@Home is a program of The Conservation Foundation. University of Illinois Extension is pleased to be a partner.