The Village of Riverwoods has been proactively encouraging woodland stewardship by sharing 50% of the resident's cost (up to $2,000 or $4,000 depending on qualifying program) to plant native species, remove invasive shrubs as well as undesirable trees and manage rainwater. The Cost-Share programs are intended to promote the health of our unique woodlands and help increase property values.
STEP 1 - Ecological Consultation
Residents are required to schedule an in person Ecological Consultation with the Village Ecologist for participation in any Cost Share programs. After the initial site visit to your property, the Village Ecologist will provide a program summary of eligible Cost-Share programs with a maximum amount of reimbursement for which your property qualifies. The cost of the consultation is $75; click here to schedule your consultation.
STEP 2- Apply for Specific Cost-Share Programs
Depending on the Ecologist's recommendations for your property, apply for one or more Cost-Share programs. Each permit application costs $100 (non-refundable) and will be reviewed by the Ecologist. If your application is approved, a permit will be emailed to you.
STEP 3 - Hire a Certified Contractor
A certified contractor must be hired to implement the work. Please refer to this list of Village-certified contractors.
STEP 4 - Review and Reimbursement
Once the work is completed, all paid invoices should be submitted to info [at] riverwoods.gov (info[at]riverwoods[dot]gov). The Ecologist will then schedule a return site visit to verify the work and approve reimbursement. Program reimbursement typically takes 4-8 weeks.
Available Cost-Share Programs
*Not all programs are suitable for all properties. Eligibility will be determined by the Village Ecologist upon completion of Ecological Consultation.
Canopy & Subcanopy Tree Thinning Program
The intent of this program is to remove certain canopy & subcanopy trees such as sugar maple and basswood. Select tree removal will allow more light to reach the woodland floor and encourage desirable native species to grow.
Invasive Shrub Removal Program
This program helps improve the ecological health of the property by removing invasive shrubs, such as common and glossy buckthorn, burning bush, Japanese barberry, honeysuckle, and sugar maple and ash tree saplings, thereby increasing the opportunity for desirable native species to thrive.
Garlic Mustard Removal Program
This program encourages residents to remove invasive garlic mustard from their property to allow native woodland understory species to thrive.
Prescribed Burn Program
The Prescribed Burn Program provides a tool for residents with healthy woodlands and/or prairies to maintain these areas using fire. Prescribed burn management helps improve the health of a woodland or prairie by removing duff, replenishing the soil with nutrients, and by allowing native plants to thrive.
Native Tree & Shrub Planting Program
Residents can improve the ecological health of their property by planting native trees and shrubs appropriate for the ecological setting.
Native Seeding Program
The intent of this program is twofold. First, the Village Ecologist may recommend that an area be seeded and/or planted with native species following garlic mustard removal or invasive shrub removal. Second, residents may wish to seed a woodland understory, prairie, or wetland to increase native species diversity or to fill in bare areas.
Rain Garden Program
The Rain Garden Program encourages residents to install rain gardens on private property to “micromanage” stormwater runoff as close to the source (like downspouts, driveways, sump pump discharges) as possible. A rain garden is a shallow depression that is planted with deep-rooted native plants. It functions by capturing and infiltrating stormwater runoff into the ground thereby reducing the flows to nearby streams and other drainage ways.