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Cap Sauers November 20, Black Partridge November 21, 2021

11/24/2021

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Cap Sauers Saturday November 20
We start with a huge thank-you to Sierra Club, their ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors) program, and the large group of students from Pirtzker Colelce Prep that came to help at Cap last Saturday. They were a terrific help, getting a large area of brush cut and hauled to the fires.


Black Partridge Sunday November 21
Sunday we came back to the east edge of Black Partridge, overlooking Goose Lake and the Des Plaines. We're clearing brush to expand the nesting area of some local critters, removing a thicket of honeysuckle and buckthorn that have grown to substantial (that means chainsaw needed) size.

Thanks to first-time Palos volunteers Alec and Luke for their energy, and to Joe C. who always brings it! Next month we'll likely move back toward the parking lot, working in the vicinity of the old dairy farm.

Lunar Eclipse Viewing at Little Red Schoolhouse (LRS)
Since the Palos Preserves/Mt. Forest Island was designated an Urban Night Sky Place, LRS has hosted regular night events, including a monthly full moon walk. This was another such event, well-attended (10-12 people) especially given the time (3:00 - 5:00 am).

I love being outdoors at night and these events provide a venue free of auto traffic and other artificial lighting. It's amazing how much you see once your eyes adjust to the darkness. As earth's shadow moved off the moon, it seemed more like dusk than the middle of night. All from light originating 90 million miles away, reflected off a disc almost a quarter-million miles away.

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McMahon November 13, Hidden Pond November 14, 2021

11/17/2021

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McMahon Woods & Fen Saturday November 13
This was the fourth assault on our stubborn wall of brush, one so tenacious it might resist even a napalm strike. We had another good group, including first-time Palos volunteers Teresa and Daniel.Two chainsaws and one gas brushcutter, another big, hot fire!  By day's end we'd made further inroads in this tough little piece of habitat.

Nature Walk - Sagawau Saturday November 13
Naturalist Lorrie Ward led a most interesting tour at Sagawau, starting at the old farmhouse and finishing at the new Visitor's Center. Sleet that was falling right before our 10:00 am start diminished and our hardy group of eight, from Palos Park Library, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Lorrie dished up tidbits about the history and geology of the site as well as the plants and animals that make it their home. We're already planning a return next spring and looking forward to it.

Hidden Pond Woods Sunday November 14
Going into Sunday morning, we had a week of weather forecasts telling us how miserable conditions would be. Mary and I had low confidence we'd be getting anything done, and were pleasantly surprised when the rain and sleet held off almost 'til noon. Better still, we had eight volunteers and knocked down a large patch of honeysuckle by quitting time.

Due to high winds we did not burn. Instead stacking the cut brush in numerous feeder piles, awaiting our return on Sunday December 12. Burn party, anyone?


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Spears Woods November 6, McClaughrey Springs November 7, 2021

11/10/2021

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Spears Woods Saturday November 6
Wasn't able to make this one due to another commitment, but I'm told it was a productive day, with a couple chainsaws going in an area filled with numerous, pesky honeysuckles. Thanks to all who attended.

Thanks also to Teri Radke and Emily Russell from FPCC Volunteer Resources for coming out to speak with passers-by and raise awareness of our efforts and the importance of keeping local preserves healthy.

McClaughrey Springs Sunday November 7
We went back-to-back at McClaughrey Springs this weekend. Sunday was a regular volunteer session, with about ten volunteers hacking away at honeysuckle and buckthorn. Neal on the chainsaw, Diana with the brushcutter, the rest of the gang with hand tools, we cut and burned in what quickly morphed from a thicket to a nice, open area. The colors in the woodland were stunning, especially the maples with brilliant gold tones in the morning sun.

After doing a second observation, Joy will soon be a Certified Brushpile Burn Boss!!!

On Monday we had a small corporate group from Beam-Suntory, a company that does regular service days and always makes a great impact. They partner with Friends of the Chicago River on these efforts, part of their program to promote watershed sustainability.  We started by burning a mess of brush from the preceding day, then took down and disposed of numerous additional buckthorns as the morning rolled on.

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McMahon Woods October 30, Swallow Cliff Woods October 31, 2021

11/3/2021

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McMahon Woods & Fen Saturday October 30
Another round in our struggle at this terribly infested patch of honeysuckle and bittersweet. We hit it hard, as we always do, pushing the wall back in three directions.  Last Saturday ended with a real treat; Jason Kaple and Emma Mendenhall cooked homemade paella for our volunteers. It was delicious! We learned that they lived in Spain for several years, where they began cooking paella, and have continued to do so since their return to the states. Time well spent, I'd say.

Thanks to Jason and Emma also for their generous donation of Home Depot gift cards to our group, which will be put to good use.

Finally, thanks also to first-time Palos volunteers Luke and Tory, great to have your help.

Swallow Cliff Woods Sunday October 31
Ten volunteers returned to Swallow Cliff Sunday to burn the brush we cut on a rainy morning one week prior. We had a fire going in short order, and by 10:15 or so were close to wrapping up, so Carolyn and Kathy went a hundred yards down the trail and started cutting more brush on a hillside.

They were amazing! With one chainsaw, and much muscle applied to bowsaws and loppers, our little group cleared a large stretch of honeysuckle, connecting with an area we cleared last spring and pushing almost to the top of the hill. Thanks to all for the amazing effort, including first-time Palos volunteer Laura.



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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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