U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and Chicago Wilderness have chosen five area public landscaping projects as winners of the 2004 Conservation and Native Landscaping.... U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 and Chicago Wilderness have chosen five area public landscaping projects as winners of the 2004 Conservation and Native Landscaping Awards. A ceremony was held today at the annual Chicago Wilderness Congress at DePaul University.

Local government winners are Chicago and Highland Park park districts and the villages of Glenview, Schaumburg and Deer Park.

All projects were recognized for their extensive and creative use of natural landscaping to support native plants and animals that contribute to the region's biodiversity.

"These 'green' projects enhance the quality of life in our communities," said Bharat Mathur, acting Region 5 administrator. "Not only are native plants beautiful, but they offer many environmental benefits."

John Rogner, chair of the Chicago Wilderness consortium agrees, "Native landscapes are not just about pretty flowers," he said. "They are working landscapes that keep our streams and rivers clean, reduce storm runoff that otherwise floods our basements, clean the air we breathe and provide habitat for the plants and animals that are part of our midwestern heritage."

Chicago Wilderness is an alliance of more than 178 public and private organizations that work together to protect, restore, study and manage the natural ecosystems of the Chicago region.