Mulch provides many benefits to gardens
(April 19, 2021) — The public is invited to pick up free wood chips while supplies last on Saturday, May 15 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s native plant nursery at Blackwell Forest Preserve, 29W220 Mack Road in West Chicago.
Homeowners may bring vehicles no larger than a pickup truck to take mulch; contractors are not allowed. A District employee will be on hand with a tractor to help fill trailer or truck beds. People who want smaller amounts should bring their own hand tools and containers that they will fill. Allow enough time to load your vehicle and exit the nursery by 1 p.m.
Everyone should wear masks that cover the nose and mouth and practice safe social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from others.
The nursery entrance is on the south side of Mack Road about 0.5 mile east of Route 59. For more information on the free wood chip pickup, call 630-876-5920 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wood chips are a great natural way to add nutrients to your soil, keep soil moist, prevent soil erosion and inhibit weeds. Organic mulches break down over time and contribute to soil health.
The District makes its own mulch from dead trees and tree and brush trimmings and uses it for trails and landscaping throughout the forest preserves. When it has more than it needs for a season, it makes the mulch available to the public.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for more than 100 years. More than 6.2 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, six education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, blog, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
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