You may not be aware of this…

In addition to majestic old trees and the restored area of younger, diverse, native trees, the Drew Forest Preserve contains a multitude of native wildflowers.  Some of these are ‘spring ephemerals’ such as Virginia Bluebells that bloom briefly before trees leaf out and are very hard to find in today’s troubled forests.

Some of the flowers came back on their own once deer were fenced out (such as the jewel weed whose abundance amazed a visitor, above right).  Many others were planted, thanks to generous donors and volunteer labor, and now roughly 80 species of wildflowers grow and bloom within the Preserve!  

These plants provide critically needed nectar for threatened pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  Moreover, they serve as host plants for moths, butterflies and other insects whose young can only survive on certain native plants.  The young creatures feeding on the native wildflowers, and trees, serve as critical food for growing birds.  (An amazing 96% of terrestrial birds feed their young on insects or other arthropods like spiders!)

The native wildflowers at the Drew Forest have been instructive and inspirational for students, gardeners, land stewards, and all visitors.

PLEASE help us save the Drew Forest Preserve by sharing this petition now and helping us reach 10,000 signatures!