We had another productive day, on a cool morning, one of several last week showing that summer is loosening its grip on us. We cut honeysuckle, mostly, with a few multi-flora rose and many bittersweet vines also a part of the mix.
Fiends of the Forest Preserves were a huge help, as were new volunteer George and returning volunteers Miguel, Gian Luca and Leo. At one point we had so much cut brush waiting to be burned, it seemed like it could be an all-day affair. Once the fires got cooking, though, we made quick work of it all.
Thanks to everyone who attended
Swallow Cliff Woods Sunday September 23
Seed collecting in the woodland on another lovely fall morning! First-time Palos volunteer Meg and returning volunteer Andrew joined a tour of the inner loop in the south woods, gathering bottlebrush, Joe Pye weed, rye, and others.
Very few berries in sight, notably Solomon's seal, which was abundant a year ago but sparse this time around. When you do find some, likely as not you see only a couple berries at the terminal end of the stalk. Have others experienced similar at their sites?
Upcoming Events
Oaks and Brews, at Imperial Oak Brewing Thursday October 4, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Imperial Oak is at 501 Willow Blvd. in Willow Springs, near the intersection of Archer Avenue and Willow Springs Road.
We're providing a free beer to the first 25 attending and will talk about our Palos preserves and the key role the oak plays in our woodlands. We're trying to spur interest in volunteering and hope some current volunteers will be willing to share their experiences.
Little Red Schoolhouse Art Fair, Sunday October 7, 9 am - 3 pm
We'll have a table at this event. Like Oaks and Brews, we're seeking volunteers who are willing to spend a couple hours sharing their experiences with the public.
Saturday October 13, Explore Willow Springs Woods, 9 am - 12 noon
At 9 am we'll hold a regular workday, cutting and burning brush.
At 10 am we plan a public walking tour, following the hiking trails from the picnic grove into the preserve. We will bring the walkers past the work site and offer the option of joining if they're interested.
We'll need volunteers for both components of the day - anyone who wants to be part of what should be a fun day can contact me by email at [email protected]