The work site had some really big buckthorn (see picture below for the stump of a ridiculous five-legged monster). While Jim and Kevin chain-sawed the big targets, and Dough ran the brush-cutter, a number of the other volunteers cleared a big patch of brush, opening up the view to Katydid Prairie very nicely.
It really looked different when we finished. Joy posted some before/after pictures on Facebook that illustrate what invasive brush removal does to open up a piece of land. Click here
McClaughrey Springs Sunday October 3
Sunday we returned to the work site of the previous Saturday, removing more honeysuckle and buckthorn with hand tools and one chainsaw running. Volunteer and FOTFP crew member Neal got in some licks with the chainsaw (he's newly certified) while the rest of us hand-cut and hauled to the fire. Darien got to hone his fire-starting skills in anticipation of brush pile burn class.
Thanks to first-time Palos volunteer Art for joining us, as well as Kevin Kuhn from Forest Preserves Volunteer Resources. Kevin will be with us again this Sunday, helping at Hidden Pond. Always great to get that support!