Volunteer workers and expert volunteer stewards are already providing experienced stewardship in all Chicago area counties. Many of the region's forest preserves are in greenway corridors and are being managed to maintain their natural character. Local jurisdictions can plan and implement local greenways that connect with the regional greenway network. Greenways are appropriate on both public and private property. Local and regional greenways are excellent and appropriate locations for natural landscaping.
Many greenways contain rivers, streams, or other waterways.
In these locations native vegetation in buffer strips adjacent to the stream provides wildlife habitat, bank stabilization, and water quality benefits. These buffer strips protect natural resources from human impacts and filter our pollutants that could flow into streams. To stabilize streambanks and shorelines Native willows, grasses and other plants can be used to stabilize eroding streambanks and shorelines. The techniques that employ native plant materials are collectively called bioengineering. They are effective, less costly, and provide better wildlife habitat than traditional engineering approaches.