We returned to the prairie at McMahon for the fourth time this season, still dealing with pop-up patches of honeysuckle scattered here and there. Saturday was another gorgeous day, a great time to be on the prairie unless you're a honeysuckle.
We had two first-time Palos volunteers Saturday, Amy from the Illinois Master Naturalist program and Otoniel from Dominican U. Great to have them and both did a terrific job. With Jim and Kevin swinging chainsaws and Doug on the brush-cutter we had plenty of firepower, and lots of dragging to get their victims to the fire. We also cut numerous strays with hand tools. It was a good, productive day.
Swallow Cliff Woods South Sunday October 25
We gladly welcomed two more first-time Palos volunteers on Sunday, John and Christy. John's logged time at other locations, while this was Christy's first time out. Otoniel was back to help on consecutive days, with the team rounded out by Joe, Jim, Kathy, and steward Jackie.
For so small a group we got an impressive area cleared in our three hour shift. Maybe it was the invigorating air of an autumn morning, or we're discovering new superpowers. We're breaking through to an area cleared in previous sessions to provide a clear path for future prescribed burns. We also uncovered a small ravine, running downhill from the trail, which I was not aware of previously. Clearing thickets of brush gives you a much better sense of the terrain.