Volunteers to clear buckthorn in Prospect Hts.

The Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission is holding a Volunteer Work Day 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Prospect Heights Slough, along Hillside Avenue east of Elmhurst Road.

The volunteers will work on buckthorn removal. No experience is necessary; volunteers will provide instruction, tools and water. Volunters will meet at the intersection of Hillside, Olive and Maple avenues, which is along the southern side of the slough. Dress warmly in layers.

The commission also is offering free "Prairie in a Packet" seeds to individuals and families to start their own personal native prairie flower gardens. The packets are available in the Prospect Heights City Hall lobby through Monday, Feb. 16, during normal business hours. Instructions on planting premixed seeds are included. The seeds will need to be planted by the end of February to be effective.

You can learn more about the seed packets, native prairies, volunteer activity days and other educational information at www.phnrc.com.