McMahon Woods & Fen Saturday July 26
While the original intent meeting place was Morrill Meadow, Joe moved volunteers to the McMahon Grove parking lot. This may have been due to the recent rain that would have soaked volunteers walking thought the woodland and prairie to get to the work site. I can only surmise since I was otherwise engaged that morning.
Once at McMahon, they deadheaded invasive thistles that have gotten a foothold there - much thanks to Kristine Linquist for her FB post and photos which gave me this information. They'll get another shot at the prairie this Saturday, August 2.
Little Calumet River - African-American Heritage Water Trail
The Calumet region is rich with history of African-Americans in Chicago, inspiring Openlands to put together this self-guided tour five years ago. I am fortunate to know three experienced paddlers (Andy, Joy, & Nicole) willing to make a mini-adventure on a recent Sunday morning.
We covered almost five miles, from Beaubien boat launch to Little Calumet boat launch in Blue Island. For 'Little' Calumet I was impressed with both the depth and width of the river - at no point were shallows a concern. We were passed by numerous powerboats, allowing us to bob in their wakes.
We saw many birds, egrets, cormorants, and great blue heron among them, along with Canada geese and mallards. Numerous people fishing suggest some sort of fish population as well. One personal note: my uncle fished here as a child and that his ashes be distributed on the river after his death.
There are no boat rentals at Beaubien so you normally will need your own boat and transport. Follow Openlands as they sponsor occasional canoe trips with boat provided.
While the original intent meeting place was Morrill Meadow, Joe moved volunteers to the McMahon Grove parking lot. This may have been due to the recent rain that would have soaked volunteers walking thought the woodland and prairie to get to the work site. I can only surmise since I was otherwise engaged that morning.
Once at McMahon, they deadheaded invasive thistles that have gotten a foothold there - much thanks to Kristine Linquist for her FB post and photos which gave me this information. They'll get another shot at the prairie this Saturday, August 2.
Little Calumet River - African-American Heritage Water Trail
The Calumet region is rich with history of African-Americans in Chicago, inspiring Openlands to put together this self-guided tour five years ago. I am fortunate to know three experienced paddlers (Andy, Joy, & Nicole) willing to make a mini-adventure on a recent Sunday morning.
We covered almost five miles, from Beaubien boat launch to Little Calumet boat launch in Blue Island. For 'Little' Calumet I was impressed with both the depth and width of the river - at no point were shallows a concern. We were passed by numerous powerboats, allowing us to bob in their wakes.
We saw many birds, egrets, cormorants, and great blue heron among them, along with Canada geese and mallards. Numerous people fishing suggest some sort of fish population as well. One personal note: my uncle fished here as a child and that his ashes be distributed on the river after his death.
There are no boat rentals at Beaubien so you normally will need your own boat and transport. Follow Openlands as they sponsor occasional canoe trips with boat provided.
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