Events

Wildly Local: Nature by Design

Event Overview

Join us for a day of learning about landscape design.
This event focuses on practical, sustainable, and inclusive approaches to landscaping for homes, apartments, and shared spaces.

Topics Covered

• Alternatives to turf grass

• Benefits of native landscapes

• How to design your lawn

• Garden design for apartments and small spaces

Hands-On Workshops (Following the Presentations)

Participants will have the opportunity to attend interactive workshops, including:

• Rain gardens and pollinators

• Selecting plants that work best for your yard

• Lawn and garden design techniques

• And more practical landscaping guidance

Event Details

Date: March 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 1600 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120

Registration

Registration is required. Scan the QR code or contact HinshawSarra@kanecountyil.gov to register

Hosting & Partner Organizations

• University of Illinois Extension

• Kane-DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District

• Sustain Kane – Economy • Environment • People

• The Conservation Foundation

• Green Guerrilla – Eco-Friendly Land Management

Programs

Regional Water
Demand Forecast
for Northeastern Illinois

Orbit B-Hyve

🌿💧 SAVE WATER WITH AN EFFICIENT SMART
SPRINKLER SYSTEM 💧🌿

Kane County is launching a pilot program to help residents save money on their water bill.
Our aquifers have been steadily declining over the past century and we’re calling on residents to help us conserve water for future generations.

💦 Smart Sprinkler Benefits

Using smart sprinkler systems can reduce water usage by 47% while maintaining a green, beautiful lawn.

📊 Water Use Comparison

Outdoor Water Use

As much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is wasted from inefficient watering methods and systems.

Curb your water waste!

Source: WaterSense: An EPA Partnership Program

🔵 Orbit

Kane County is running a pilot program to study water conservation using the Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor/Outdoor Sprinkler Timer.

Orbit has saved over 250 billion gallons of water since its launch in 2016.

It is estimated in Illinois the 40k Orbit users have collectively saved 4.5 billion gallons of water.

🏠🏢 Eligibility

If you are a resident or small business and your water bill is around $300 or more per month and you are interested in sharing your data, you may qualify for a free Orbit Smart Timer.

📞 Contact Information

Contact Sarra Hinshaw if you are interested in participating
📧 Email: HinshawSarra@kanecountyil.gov
☎️ Phone: 630-208-8665