Benedictine hosts summit espousing health benefits of native landscaping

Scores of community and business leaders, elected officials, concerned citizens, interested students and scientists are expected to attend the third annual DuPage Environmental Summit from 1:00-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 12 in Scholl Hall Room 101 on the campus of Benedictine University.

The topic of this year’s summit is “Breathing Easier and Living Healthy – How Native Landscaping is Healthier for People, the Environment and our Pocketbooks” and will focus on how native landscaping reduces or eliminates the use of lawn chemicals and reduces the amount of air and water pollution created by gas mowers and over-applied fertilizer.

Speakers will discuss the aesthetic benefits of native landscaping; how varieties of native flowers attract butterflies, birds, dragonflies and hummingbirds; how homeowners can save money by eliminating water and fertilizer costs; how native landscaping reduces flooding and improves water quality; and how native plants can be incorporated into any existing landscape.

The benefits of native landscaping to local wildlife – including birds and bats, the latter which help control the mosquito population – will also be discussed.

The summit is sponsored by the DuPage Environmental Commission, The Conservation Foundation, the DuPage County Board Environmental Committee, the DuPage Community Foundation and Benedictine University. The summit is free and open to the public, but advance registration is appreciated.

mail Benedictine University 5700 College Road Lisle, IL 60532 key contacts Jean-Marie Kauth e-mail jkauth@ben.edu phone (630) 829-6272