Cap Sauers Moraines Saturday December 4
I wasn't able to attend, learned that Margaret continued to cut brush in an area where' she's worked the past couple months. We had several students helping, first-time Palos volunteers whose names I was unable to obtain. Thanks, students! We appreciate you! There's a couple pictures below, taken by Doug Bosco.
McClaughrey Springs Woods Sunday December 5
Sunday was another day with a nasty forecast, rain likely in the morn and getting worse as the day regressed. No rain when I left the house; five minutes later, upon arrival at the site, it had already begun. dang!
We sat in our cars a few minutes then decided to give it a shot. Diana picked a spot close to shelter, and we began gathering dry sticks to start a fire. Joy got it burning in next to no time, and the rain chose to subside throughout out three-hour stint, only picking up in intensity at quitting time.
It was quite the pleasant surprise and left us feeling we just got away with something. Thanks to first-time Palos volunteer Brent, and to Joe C, Diana, and Joy for a most productive morning under shaky conditions.
Visitation Prairie via the Esker Trail
I wanted to check the prescribed burn at Visitation Prairie in Cap Sauers, so one afternoon I walked the esker trail just before sunset. It was beautiful, winding sinuously through the preserve until reaching my destination.
They got a good burn and the growth that was head-high and a struggle to pass through a couple months back was now reduced to ash and a stubble. THAT will jumpstart next spring's growing season in a good way.
The only time the esker trail is prettier than fall, with its reds and browns, is under a winter snow, when the contours of the glacial terrain are immediately and starkly visible. Like MacArthur, I shall return.
I wasn't able to attend, learned that Margaret continued to cut brush in an area where' she's worked the past couple months. We had several students helping, first-time Palos volunteers whose names I was unable to obtain. Thanks, students! We appreciate you! There's a couple pictures below, taken by Doug Bosco.
McClaughrey Springs Woods Sunday December 5
Sunday was another day with a nasty forecast, rain likely in the morn and getting worse as the day regressed. No rain when I left the house; five minutes later, upon arrival at the site, it had already begun. dang!
We sat in our cars a few minutes then decided to give it a shot. Diana picked a spot close to shelter, and we began gathering dry sticks to start a fire. Joy got it burning in next to no time, and the rain chose to subside throughout out three-hour stint, only picking up in intensity at quitting time.
It was quite the pleasant surprise and left us feeling we just got away with something. Thanks to first-time Palos volunteer Brent, and to Joe C, Diana, and Joy for a most productive morning under shaky conditions.
Visitation Prairie via the Esker Trail
I wanted to check the prescribed burn at Visitation Prairie in Cap Sauers, so one afternoon I walked the esker trail just before sunset. It was beautiful, winding sinuously through the preserve until reaching my destination.
They got a good burn and the growth that was head-high and a struggle to pass through a couple months back was now reduced to ash and a stubble. THAT will jumpstart next spring's growing season in a good way.
The only time the esker trail is prettier than fall, with its reds and browns, is under a winter snow, when the contours of the glacial terrain are immediately and starkly visible. Like MacArthur, I shall return.
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