Mulch provides many benefits and beautifies gardens
(May 21, 2020) — Homeowners are invited to pick up free wood chips while supplies last and as weather permits on Saturday, June 6 and June 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s native plant nursery at Blackwell Forest Preserve, 29W218 Mack Road in West Chicago.
People should bring vehicles no larger than a pickup truck; contractors are not allowed. Everyone should wear masks and allow extra time to practice safe social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Forest Preserve District employee will be on hand with a tractor to help fill trailers or truck beds. People who want smaller amounts should bring their own containers and shovels. Everyone should allow enough time to load vehicles and exit the nursery by 1 p.m.
The public is asked to allow extra time for the pickup because they will be expected to practice safe social distancing and wear masks and gloves due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may slow down the process.
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 3 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 4 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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