Spears Woods Saturday December 22
Our trek into Spears was most pleasant, looking at what's been accomplished in recent days at the site. Contract work along La Grange Road on both sides of the picnic grove has removed large stretches of brush - including extensive infestations of barberry - resulting is a much more open woodland. It's simply terrific!
For a relatively small group we hit it hard. Doug did much damage with the brushcutter, Diana with the chain saw. We had three students from Chicago Bulls College Prep helping us (who came again to Swallow Cliff the following day) and several of our regular hard-working Saturday crew.
It was an easy day to get fire going, with a brisk enough breeze to keep it that way. We're clearing right on a prairie's edge with a good view of the center portion of Spears.
Swallow Cliff Sunday December 23
Two days before Christmas we weren't sure what to expect. What we did NOT expect was a group of 25 volunteers! Twelve scouts and parents came from St. Sympharosa on the SW Side, the three guys from Chicago Bulls College Prep, first time Palos volunteer Patrick, Emma and Kelli from Hinsdale, Brian and Leslie, Mike and Dave and Jean, Carrie and Devin, and my apologies to anyone I may have overlooked.
So, yeah, a most pleasant surprise and a super day. We stayed near the parking lot, starting with one fire and eventually adding another as the area cleared of brush grew and grew. Walked out thinking of next time, in January.
Our trek into Spears was most pleasant, looking at what's been accomplished in recent days at the site. Contract work along La Grange Road on both sides of the picnic grove has removed large stretches of brush - including extensive infestations of barberry - resulting is a much more open woodland. It's simply terrific!
For a relatively small group we hit it hard. Doug did much damage with the brushcutter, Diana with the chain saw. We had three students from Chicago Bulls College Prep helping us (who came again to Swallow Cliff the following day) and several of our regular hard-working Saturday crew.
It was an easy day to get fire going, with a brisk enough breeze to keep it that way. We're clearing right on a prairie's edge with a good view of the center portion of Spears.
Swallow Cliff Sunday December 23
Two days before Christmas we weren't sure what to expect. What we did NOT expect was a group of 25 volunteers! Twelve scouts and parents came from St. Sympharosa on the SW Side, the three guys from Chicago Bulls College Prep, first time Palos volunteer Patrick, Emma and Kelli from Hinsdale, Brian and Leslie, Mike and Dave and Jean, Carrie and Devin, and my apologies to anyone I may have overlooked.
So, yeah, a most pleasant surprise and a super day. We stayed near the parking lot, starting with one fire and eventually adding another as the area cleared of brush grew and grew. Walked out thinking of next time, in January.
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