River North in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Native Plants are Important

Chicago Park District Natural Areas

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025

1. Native Plants are Important Marker

Inscription. Native plants are species indigenous to a certain region. They sustain local wildlife, enhance green spaces, conserve water, and mitigate climate change.

Native animals evolved together and are vital for each other's survival. While native plants provide nutrient-rich food and shelter, native animals and insects pollinate and diperse seeds. Native plants have adapted to withstand local climate and soil types and are, therefore, better equipped to survive Chicago's extreme weather conditions.

Erected by Chicago Park District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.

Location. 41° 53.807′ N, 87° 38.334′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in River North. It is on West Chicago Avenue west of Sedgwick Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is one of several in front of the Jesse White Community Center & Field House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 412 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago IL 60654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oaks Are Important (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Native Plants are Important (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Welcome to Jesse White Nature Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nari Garden (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Nari Garden (about 500 feet away); Assumption School (approx. ¼ mile away); The Catholic Charities St. Vincent Center (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. A related sign with less text can be found nearby in front of the building. They are part

Jesse White Community Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, December 21, 2025

2. Jesse White Community Center

The sign is one of several related to natural history that can be found in front of the Jesse White Community Center.

of a series of signs on the site that are related to the Chicago area's natural history.

Also see . . . The Morton Arboretum: Purple Cornflower. The sign includes a photo of a purple cornflower, a wildflower native to Illinois. (Submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.