Willow Springs Woods Saturday April 25
In what turned out to be our last brush-cutting of the season, we tackled a tangle of honeysuckle, mostly, near Katydid Slough at the south end of the preserve. This is a spot we spent a large bloc of time clearing ten to fifteen years ago and has predictably seen some new invasive growth since then. We worked on a slope that lies above Katydid Prairie.
I had another stop later - see below - so Margaret Tobin sent a couple pictures for me to share. The big central patch of brush was eradicated, along with numerous outliers. With a modicum of luck our labors will help the next round of prescribed fire climb the slope and take out some of the inevitable invaders.
Nature Walk - Paddock Woods, Saturday April 25
Jessica Rock and patrons of Palos Park Library came to Paddock for the first of three spring walks, with a total of 17 walkers. That's more than I can recall on past walks and they were all a delight.
Numerous spring wildflowers were in bloom, including red and white (large-flowered) trillium, large flowered bellwort, buttercups and phlox and wild geraniums. The latter seemed a bit early this year, perhaps spurred by ample rain and recent warm days.
Swallow Cliff Woods Sunday April 26
With the proliferation of flowers, we chose to go after garlic mustard rather than cutting and burning brush. Garlic mustard has also thrived so we didn't have to look far for targets, starting along the brown trail coming out of the parking lot and eventually moving down the tan spur toward the stairs. The two sides of that trail mark the first spots volunteers cleared, starting over nine years ago.
We gathered multiple trash bags of GM for composting and by 11:00 or so were treated to a spot of sunshine, taking the edge off a cool morning. Much thanks to all who attended, including recent newbies Laura and Ryan and first-timers Ben and Alec.
In what turned out to be our last brush-cutting of the season, we tackled a tangle of honeysuckle, mostly, near Katydid Slough at the south end of the preserve. This is a spot we spent a large bloc of time clearing ten to fifteen years ago and has predictably seen some new invasive growth since then. We worked on a slope that lies above Katydid Prairie.
I had another stop later - see below - so Margaret Tobin sent a couple pictures for me to share. The big central patch of brush was eradicated, along with numerous outliers. With a modicum of luck our labors will help the next round of prescribed fire climb the slope and take out some of the inevitable invaders.
Nature Walk - Paddock Woods, Saturday April 25
Jessica Rock and patrons of Palos Park Library came to Paddock for the first of three spring walks, with a total of 17 walkers. That's more than I can recall on past walks and they were all a delight.
Numerous spring wildflowers were in bloom, including red and white (large-flowered) trillium, large flowered bellwort, buttercups and phlox and wild geraniums. The latter seemed a bit early this year, perhaps spurred by ample rain and recent warm days.
Swallow Cliff Woods Sunday April 26
With the proliferation of flowers, we chose to go after garlic mustard rather than cutting and burning brush. Garlic mustard has also thrived so we didn't have to look far for targets, starting along the brown trail coming out of the parking lot and eventually moving down the tan spur toward the stairs. The two sides of that trail mark the first spots volunteers cleared, starting over nine years ago.
We gathered multiple trash bags of GM for composting and by 11:00 or so were treated to a spot of sunshine, taking the edge off a cool morning. Much thanks to all who attended, including recent newbies Laura and Ryan and first-timers Ben and Alec.
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