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Spears Woods November 14, 2020

11/19/2020

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Spears Woods Saturday November 14
With Forest Preserves of Cook County temporarily suspending volunteer activities, this shaped up to be our last restoration day for at least a month. Might as well make it a productive one.

We had two chainsaws and one brushcutter, and an eager group of volunteers wielding hand tools and dragging brush. We had just one brush pile, a big one reminiscent of our winter fires. Thanks to Ginger for participating in the "Bring a Friend" program, and for first-time Palos volunteer Mike who came with her. I should note that Mike has some skill with small gas engine devices, which helped with a balky brushcutter.

Sunday at Black Partridge canceled due to high winds.
Though the 20 ft. wind speed was barely within limits, Sunday was no day to be in a woodland. I walked for an hour later in the afternoon and saw numerous examples of the force of that wind (below). Steward John Marlin made a good call by canceling - live to play another day.

Suspension of volunteer group activities
Due to the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, Forest Preserves of Cook County is temporarily suspending all group volunteer activities, from November 16 - December 15. We will see, at that time, if the suspension will be lifted or extended.

We'll be back, rested and ready to roll, when we get the green light again.


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Willow Springs November 7, Hidden Pond November 8, 2020

11/12/2020

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Saturday November 7, Willow Springs Woods - Katydid
Joe found a big patch of brush south of the prairie at Katydid, and we cleared it with chainsaw, brushcutter, and hand tools. We had great help from first-time Palos volunteer Nicole, and from Gian Luca and Leo, whom I hadn't seen for quite a spell.

Later, looking across the prairie to the north, Kathy spotted a line of vibrant red shrubbery that she tentatively identified as barberry. Joe confirmed. More brushcutter mayhem with Doug at the helm? We'll see.

Sunday November 8, Hidden Pond Woods
We continued to remove a line of brush along Kean, near Woodland Drive and the storm ditches. It doesn't extend too far from the road but is a massive tangle in places. Some chainsaw-worthy targets are present, so it was fortuitous when Bob Erck showed up, saw in hand. Others might be better handled with a brushcutter, which may be next month's plan.

We were joined by another first-time Palos volunteer, Seasons, who lives just a couple blocks away, and by Mary and Michael, both veterans of our March work nearby. Did a real nice piece of work, already looking forward to December at Hidden Pond.

My apologies for the late post, I had it ready to go around 4:00 p.m. today and Weebly deleted it when I hit 'Save'. So I was ticked off and went for a walk, grabbed a couple nice twilight pics included below.

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Spears Woods October 31, McClaughrey Springs & Cap Sauers Holding November 1, 2020

11/5/2020

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Spears Woods Saturday October 31
Halloween morning at Spears we worked on a patch of honeysuckle near the Boomerang Slough trail junction. More than honeysuckle, with common and glossy buckthorn, bittersweet, barberry, and among other invaders seen and cut.

Our crazy warm spell was just getting started and we had a good group helping with the day's task. Joe and Margaret hung out well into the afternoon and were able to fellowship with local trail users while waiting for the embers to die down.

McClaughrey Springs Sunday November 1
We had a really good turnout for this one, though I wasn't able to get there so I don't know too much detail. I do know there were two brush piles burned. Thanks to all who came, including first-time Palos volunteers Julie and May.

Cap Sauers Holding Sunday November 1
We hand another good group of volunteers Sunday afternoon, including two first-time Palos volunteers, Polly from the Master Naturalist program and Jason, an avid hiker and student of nature at Cap and other local preserves. I believe Amy, another Master Naturalist, Cyndi and Kathy all did both Sunday sessions.

The wind was brisk and the ground a bit dry so Bob chose to stack the day's cut brush for burning next month. As is the case with no burn, we cut a ridiculous amount of brush in time there. One month of drying and it ought to fire up without much trouble. A great way to cap off a busy, successful weekend. Our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated.

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    Author

    I'm Jan Pietrzak with the Palos Restoration Project. This blog and website were created for your information and enjoyment.

    I hope you'll be encouraged and inspired to volunteer at any of the numerous forest preserves in our area.

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