Paddock Woods Saturday April 27
Rain got to us after little more than an hour, going from a light drizzle to something more substantial. That, of course, paled in comparison to the fat sloppy snowflakes that started their descent around noon. Just another unremarkable late April snowfall, makes one wonder what's in store for May...
Nature and Arts Festival at Lake Katherine, Saturday April 27
A big thank-you to Maureen Neidle and Dave Branigan for representing us and spreading the restoration gospel at this annual event. Here, too, attendance was affected by weather - the steam rising off the lake was eerily beautiful (see picture below) it was seen by relatively few.
Our thanks also to Gareth Blakesley of Lake Katherine and Jeannine Kacmar of Palos Heights Public Library for welcoming us to the festival.
Swallow Cliff Woods Sunday April 28
Saturday was one of the bleakest days in recorded history; Sunday we awoke to clear skies. By noon most of the snow had melted!
We had a super group of volunteers and many new faces (we love new friends!) at Swallow Cliff. Many came from the Marie Newman for Congress team and all were energetic, clearing a large swath of honeysuckle in the middle of our work area. By quitting time the difference was apparent, with much more sunlight making its way to the ground.
Black Partridge Woods Sunday April 28
This is a late entry; thank you, Cindy, for filling me in on the work at Black Partridge last Sunday. It was the first day of this season dedicated to garlic mustard - most of our workdays in the next few weeks will focus on the fragrant little weed.
Showdown at Sundown Tuesday April 30
Friends of the Chicago River worked with Beam Suntory on a corporate day of service. They called it "Together for Good" and certainly brought a big group together; we had over 80 volunteers at Sundown Meadow. They did a lot of good too, cutting and burning invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle along a trail.
There are logistical challenges in working with so large a group. Fortunately we had ample tools and supplies, great leaders, and a game plan that worked remarkably well.
The key piece, though, is always the spirit and enthusiasm of the people you're working with. This group, like Sunday's at Swallow Cliff, was exemplary. Thanks to Friends of the Chicago River and Beam Suntory for the opportunity and the help!
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