Evanston -- Grosse Point Lighthouse Wildflower Trail Park

In 1937, the Park Board gave permission for the planning of a wildflower trail to the Garden Club of Evanston, who hired the well-known landscape architect, Jens Jensen, to draw the plans for the quarter acre space. Native herbs and trees such as black oaks, honey locusts, basswood, sugar and silver maples, black cherries, and American elms were preserved. Jensen added pin oaks, cut-leaf maples, weeping birches, wild crabapples, and wild cherries. The first planting included eight varieties of violets native to Evanston, a fern collection, and wild plants which were taken from highway and residential development areas. Plantings were designed to give the appearance of a natural woodland, except that each species was grouped in a mass to make a better show. A fountain was installed west of the picnic shelter at the south side. Later, a garden seat was added. Dr. Margery Carlson helped to restore the trail in 1960 with new plants. The Garden Club of Evanston continues to maintain the garden to the present day.

Persons and organizations associated with the garden include: United States Government (former owner, 1871-1935); Evanston Lighthouse Park District (owners, 1937 to present); Garden Club of Evanston (caretaker, 1937-present); and Jens Jenson (landscape architect, 1937).