Margaret took our group back where she worked a month ago, clearing honeysuckle, rose, and bittersweet along the green trail, within sight of Bergman Slough. The bittersweet was especially testy, as it generally is. It ties everything together and complicates getting it to the fire. This section has opened up and really looks good!
Thanks to all who attended, including first- time Palos volunteers Jim and Greg, and the first reported Palos sighting of Yukon Bob, believed native to the Des Plaines Valley hence a bit out of normal range.
Paddock Woods - Nature Walk With a Librarian Saturday April 17
Great morning for walking and viewing spring wildflowers! This was our first spring walk with Jessica Rock of Palos Park Public Library and a fun group of 16 library. We walked the Yellow Trail and never got too far in either direction, just far enough to enjoy a diverse variety of spring blooms. Some, like the woodland phlox, seemed a bit early this year. All were welcome, with their delicate beauty and splash of colors.
Black Partridge Woods Sunday April 18
Sunday was our first garlic mustard assault of the season, joined by first-time Palos volunteers Bernie, Mo, Jack, and Sean. It was successful on at least two counts.
First, we were able to locate and carry out a substantial amount of the weed, which was tough to spot because many hadn't put up a flower yet. Good eyes, volunteers. Second, we had to cover quite a stretch of turf to find them, evidence that past assaults are reducing the population.
We also came upon numerous spring ephemerals, for which Black Partridge is well-known.