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 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. 

Steps for Certification:

1. Resident submits application.

2. Conservation@Home program staff review application.

3. If applicant is not ready for certification, resources are provided.

4. If applicant is ready for certification, resident pays $50 fee.

5. Resident schedules a yard/property visit.

6. C@H evaluators visit property.

7. If criteria is met, Conservation@Home sign is awarded to resident.
    

Please note: we will be pausing evaluations from November 2023 - March 2024. We will still be welcoming applications and new members during this time. We'll simply wait to schedule evaluations until the springtime.

It can be difficult for us to evaluate sites when many plants have gone to bed for the winter, so we'll be picking back up once hibernation is over! Questions? Contact Elizabeth McDermott at emm13@illinois.edu.