We had a small group of six and spent our morning dead-heading Canada and bull thistle. Bull thistle, ouch! I'd forgotten how sharp and stiff those thorns are. Nothing short of welding gloves will offer full protection, and we were relieved when the bull thistles were finished and we could switch to the Canada variety.
As is always the case, we encountered a number of native flowers in bloom as we moved through the preserve.
Black Partridge Sunday July 18
We worked on teasel along the south side of Bluff Road, in a series of small fields separated by hedgerows. This, if I recall correctly, was the location of the dairy farm of years gone by. Teasel was not as numerous as a year ago, though it's a bit early and there may be more plants bolting as the summer goes on. So we got whatever we could find, and also pulled a few white sweet clover for good measure.
Thanks to first-time Palos volunteers Steve and Angelica, and to Olga for providing hand-wipes when we took our cookie break. It wasn't a terribly hot day, but the afternoon sun was direct and it felt great to grab some shade and kick back for a spell.