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McMahon October 22, Swallow Cliff South October 23, 2022

10/27/2022

McMahon Woods & Fen Saturday October 22
Back to the prairie's north edge, we cut and burned more brush on another in a string of beautiful October days. Two chainsawyers (Jim & Kevin), and Doug on brushcutter were able to do a lot of damage to the honeysuckle population, and a single fire took care of the cuttings.

We'll be back at McMahon this Saturday (October 29), working farther east and meeting at Morrill Meadow field.

Nature Walk at Cranberry Slough, Saturday October 22
Librarian Jessica Rock and about a dozen patrons of Palos Park Library came to Cranberry for a loop around the namesake slough and return trek along the Old Country Lane. It was a stunning day, with a full palette of fall colors.

Swallow Cliff Woods South Sunday October 23
Our Sunday team included first-time Palos volunteer Emily and nine others. We cut honeysuckle near the sloughs in the south woods (now known as either the Muskrat Sloughs or Cherry Hill Sloughs). It was a dry, breezy day so we took extra care to ensure the fire remained where we wanted it; that credit goes to Joy who's a terrific fire manager.

We expanded the open area we started a month ago and plan to return here regularly over the next few months. It's a lovely spot, with an open expanse to the immediate west and a view of the trail just north.

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Cap Sauers October 15, Black Partridge October 16, 2022

10/19/2022

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Cap Sauers Holding Saturday October 15
We had a big group of volunteers, including eight grad students from U. of C. and first-time Palos volunteers Pam and Ray. We continued cutting brush in the area worked last month, with Margaret reporting we cleared 0.3 acre by morning's end.

It was another in a string of beautiful days, the perfect time to be outdoors under sunny fall skies. Thanks to all who attended.

Sunday October 16, Black Partridge Woods
Though Sunday's group was a bit smaller,. we were no less determined. We were on the south side of Bluff Road, clearing a brushy patch not far from Goose Lake and the Des Plaines River. Just like Saturday, the morning began a bit crisp and soon warmed (or was it the fire and activity?)

We began in the middle of our patch, clearing from the center out in all directions, breaking through both east and west while making significant progress in the other two. Thanks to Maureen, whose first volunteer stint in Palos was just a week earlier, who also brought her brother Steve to help. Loving the family plan!

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Spears Woods October 8, Hidden Pond October 9, 2022

10/13/2022

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Spears Woods Saturday October 8
Scouts from Troop 216, La Grange, led by Eagle candidate Daniel R., planted and caged hazelnut shrubs at Spears. They did a great job, were well organized and brought lots of energy to the project. We've collaborated with Scouts from this troop in the past and they always come through.

Some of the shrubs were propagated at Chicago Botanic Garden, from nuts collected at the site, while others came from Possibility Place nursery. Caging will protect the baby shrubs from deer who find them a tasty treat. While the scouts planted, our regular volunteer group cut and burned honeysuckle nearby, making it a win-win day. Take out the bad, bring in the good!

Hidden Pond Woods Sunday October 9
We collected seeds from the prairie at Hidden Pond, an impressive variety of seeds, including several grasses and a number of forbs. Some were easily found, some were sparse, and at the end of the morning we had an impressive array of bags to process for distribution later in the season.

This was the last of three service days in partnership with Forest Preserves of Cook County, CITGO Fueling Good, and National Recreation and Park Association. We appreciate their support.

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McMahon October 1, McClaughrey Springs October 2, 2022

10/6/2022

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McMahon Woods & Fen Saturday October 1
Volunteers returned to the northern edge of the prairie, cutting multi-flora rose and honeysuckle with chainsaw, brush-cutter, and hand tools. They broke through on the eastern edge, which should allow mechanical brush-mowing come winter. It also will allow prescribed fire to move into the cleared area. Progress!

Thanks to Kathy Bruch for pictures and the account for this day and the following morning at McClaughrey Springs.

McClaughrey Springs Sunday October 2
This is the second of three Heart Your Park service days. It was another "breakthrough" day, with volunteers punching through a wall of honeysuckle and the prairie northwest of our work site.

We had a super group of volunteers augmented by support from Forest Preserves' Volunteer Resource Center. Two staffers from National Recreation and Parks Association, the agency that wrote the grant, attended and spoke with Kathy about the unique nature of the volunteer program in Cook County. It's encouraging to be a part of a program that works, and that could serve as a model for other municipalities.

Little Red Schoolhouse Arts & Crafts Fair Sunday October 2
The first Arts and Crafts Fair since COVID, and it was back to the outdoors, a fine choice on a beautiful fall day. I offer a huge thank-you to Cyndi Duda, Julie Pietrzak, Maureen Neidle, and Kathy Bruch for helping spread the word about local nature and the value of restoration.

We spoke with numerous shoppers at the fair and had a good time doing so. Thanks also to staff at Little Red Schoolhouse, always the gracious hosts!

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McMahon October 22, Swallow Cliff South October 23, 2022

Cap Sauers October 15, Black Partridge October 16, 2022

Spears Woods October 8, Hidden Pond October 9, 2022

McMahon October 1, McClaughrey Springs October 2, 2022

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