Elmwood Dunes Preserve is a small but ecologically significant lakefront sanctuary in Wilmette, Illinois, managed in part by the Wilmette Park District, located at the eastern end of Elmwood Avenue where it meets Lake Michigan. The staircase and pathway down to the beach is surrounded by native species such as Asclepias syriaca, Echinacea purpurea, Asclepias tuberosa, and many more.
Once overtaken by non‑native invasive shrubs was restored through a collaborative effort and Pizzo is proud to help play a part starting in 2024. The site is roughly one-acre and about 80‑feet‑wide, and provides four ecological zones: bluff-top clay/loam plantings, a wet swale, mid-level cottonwood/juniper area, and beachside dune grasses. Pizzo has helped with native plug plantings, site monitoring, and provides on-going stewardship of natural areas at the preserve.
The native plants in the Elmwood Dunes Preserve help to attract and protect wildlife. Benches are provided along the pathway to the Lake Michigan beach to take a pause and observe the many butterflies that surround you.
Founded in 1988, Pizzo & Associates is one of the Midwest’s largest ecological restoration firms with over 170 industry awards. We have the experience and know-how to restore natural environments.
We work with a large variety of public and private landowners on habitat restoration projects of all sizes. We help with everything from installations to ongoing management, which is needed for optimal results.
We invite you to attend our annual Summer Solstice event. A day filled with engaging tours, presentations, industry discussions, and networking focused on ecological restoration and native plants.
