Niles Native is an initiative set forth by the Niles Park District to bring back biodiversity to public spaces throughout our community, and to encourage Niles residents to add a small patch of wildflowers to their own gardens and watch the benefits of native plants for themselves.

In 2022, we began transforming our sign beds and gardens to include mostly native plants  Natives are often better adapted to local climate and conditions, and require less maintenance once established.  Along with providing food for wildlife such as nectar, seeds, nuts, fruits and berries, the foliage also provides shelter for a variety of wildlife.  Not to mention, the views provided are spectacular!  Natives are drought tolerant when established and do not require fertilizer.  Overall, native plants add beauty, habitat and are a diversity rich spark to any garden.

Native plants are essential for our ecosystem to thrive as intended and can be integrated into any yard.  Come see the difference for yourself and join the Niles Park District in a mission by making a difference.

If you are interested in planting natives in your yard, visit our seed libraries to pick up wildflower seeds.  They can be found inside the book libraries at NICO Park, Golf View, and LoVerde Sports Center.

Common native plants you will find in our parks include:

Links to learn more:

Xerces Society https://xerces.org/

Wild Ones https://westcook.wildones.org/

Homegrown National Park https://homegrownnationalpark.org/

Conservation@Home https://theconservationfoundation.org/conservation-home/

University of Illinois Extension https://extension.illinois.edu/mms/horticulture