Help stop the honeysuckle invasion
Volunteer to help restore the natural areas at Exner Marsh Conservation Area from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18, at Lakewood and Miller roads in Lake in the Hills.
Join McHenry County Conservation District volunteer site steward Len Bannon as he hosts restoration workdays, every third Saturday of the month, July through October.
Honeysuckle is an invasive, nonnative species that takes over quickly and can grow to 20 feet tall. Left untreated, it can rapidly overtake an area, forming a dense shrub layer that will crowd out native plants.
To add to the dilemma, the spring flowers develop into a red berry that is attractive to birds, who then deposit the seed everywhere, accounting for the rapid spread of the plant. Small plants can be pulled by hand and larger plants can be dug or pried out of the ground. Full size plants will need to be cut down with a chain saw.
Volunteering at a restoration workday is a rewarding way to experience the natural areas in our conservation sites and contribute to the ecological health of these areas. No experience is necessary; tools and refreshments are provided.
Meet in the Lakewood parking lot, 9000 Lakewood Road, Lake in the Hills.
Dress for weather conditions - wear sturdy shoes or boots and long pants; no open-toe shoes. Bring work/garden gloves and drinking water.
Call ahead and let Bannon know if you plan to attend: (847) 669-1381 or lennsandy@gmail.com. Volunteers younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Upcoming workdays are scheduled for July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19 and Oct. 17.
Exner Marsh is a 233-acre site known for its rich wetland habitat and 116-acre Illinois State Nature Preserve, as well as its varied birding communities. Bluewing teal, sora, Virginia rail, king rail, least bittern, pied-billed grebe, common moorhen and yellow-headed blackbird can be found in the marsh. Black-crowned night-herons and great egrets also wander the waters and feed here.
For information on how you can get involved in volunteer efforts with McHenry County Conservation District, call (815) 338-6223 or email Voluneers@MCCDistrict.org.
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