Member Profile Bluestem Ecological Services 19812 W. Coral Road Marengo, IL 60152 (815) 568-2927
www.bluestemeco.com by Meta Levin
The fact that
sustainability is at the forefront of people’s minds was apparent to Jeff Sebert. And it was impetus for starting his new, ecological services company, Bluestem Ecological Services in Marengo, IL. To meet the demand, Bluestem offers four major services: ecological restoration, stewardship (maintenance), sustainable native landscaping and sustainable green infrastructure. His customers “want to know how they can create a sustainable landscape within their budgets,” says Bluestem Ecological Services director of sales and marketing, Jodi Legieza. From the beginning Sebert sought out experienced specialists in sustainable landscaping, “He was particular about who he wanted to bring in,” says Legieza. Though relatively new, the company is populated with employees who have years of experience in the field. For instance, Legieza, herself, has spent 25 years in the green industry, working with everything from landscaping to arboriculture to native restoration. A Certified Horticulturalist and Certified Landscape Designer she has worked with and consulted with land developers, builders, property management companies, private estates, city parks and villages. And Jan Papa, Bluestem’s general manager, has 30 years’ experience in the green industry, including working at the Chicago Botanic Garden, as well as time as an estate co-manager and native plant buyer. Even those who are new to the field have solid backgrounds. Field Supervisor Eric Sebert recently earned a degree in environmental science/ecol60
ogy from the University of Minnesota. He also has experience working for both Grace Nursery and Sebert Landscaping. Molly Regan is Bluestem’s restoration technician. A recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in recreation administration, Regan also was an intern with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at Moraine Hills State Park and Volo Bog State Natural Area, as well as serving as the program manager for the Lake County Forest Preserve’s summer youth work program. Bluestem has worked with a variety of clients, including Advocate Hospital to design and build walking paths, easily accessible raised gardens and bird feeders on their property. “Studies have proven the health and well-being benefits of just planting a tree, having a garden and working in the garden,” says Legieza. To that end, Bluestem also has collaborated with local schools to help bring the classroom outside. They have installed raised gardens in the schools, as well as prairie areas. “We believe in what we are doing,” she says, which is to bring elements of the original Midwest landscape back to its natural state, as well as to educate people about the benefits of sustainable landscapes. Bluestem’s long term intent is: to develop native ecosystems that will last for generations. The company also presents programs about sustainable landscapes to people within the industry, as well as to park district and forest preserve personnel, not to mention working to forge partnerships with such groups as the McHenry Park District and the Bolingbrook Conservation Center and its Earth Aid program. The Landscape Contractor April 2016
Bluestem also is involved in the Come Outside Alive program, which encourages children and families to be outdoors. “We ask ourselves: as a business what can we do to include clients and vendors in encouraging people to be outside,” Legieza says. “It’s all about being healthy.” Bluestem was drawn to ILCA in large part for its networking opportunities, especially the chance to discuss trends with other professionals in the landscape industry. “ILCA promotes us all growing, building and learning together,” Legieza says. “It also provides educational opportunities. We are able to be a part of a community.” Legieza says she loves going to Summer Field Day and iLandscape. Bluestem plans to bring its field technicians to the latter this year. “It’s a great way to get a sense of partnership and community.”