(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As solar farms spring up in Illinois, environmentalists in McHenry County are trying to make sure native plants do, too.
There are already 25 solar farms approved for McHenry and dozens more on the way as the state works to meet a sustainable energy requirement.
By 2025, 25 percent of Illinois' energy must come from renewable sources such as wind and solar.
Cynthia Kanner, executive director of The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, says they want to require those farms to have native plants.
It's already a requirement for those on county property in McHenry.
Native prairies have disappeared in many places in Illinois and Kanner is looking for any opportunity to bring them back.
Beyond making an area look good, the plants help attract pollinators, prevent soil erosion and replenish aquifers.
On Wednesday, solar farm applicants will learn who won about 100 permits issued in a lottery.
Dozens of people came out for a workshop in McHenry last week on planting and maintaining native prairies around solar farms.