Join Pioneer Fen Habitat Restoration Days with MCCD

In a couple of hours, you could burn off calories from all those holiday treats and give back to the environment!

Come to a Restoration Workday at Pioneer Fen from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 4300-4598 Red Tail Court in Dutch Creek Estates in Johnsburg. For directions, take Spring Grove Road to Sweet Water Lane, turn west and follow Sweet Water Lane to Red Tail Court. Signs will be posted pointing the way.

Come out to help McHenry County Conservation District's volunteer site steward Pat Sullivan-Schroyer restore native habitat at Pioneer Fen.

Volunteers will remove buckthorn and other woody invasive plants using loppers and hand saws. All activities are outdoors and off trail. Wear boots and dress for weather and outdoor work. Bring drinking water and heavy garden gloves, if you own them. If the weather stays unseasonably mild, bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

Participating is easy. Just drop in - no experience is necessary. Don't know much about ecological restoration? Sullivan-Schroyer will explain why it's important and show you what to do. Plus, she can give you a short tour of a site that is otherwise closed to the public.

Come solo or bring along family and friends. Volunteers, ages 7 to 16, must be accompanied by an adult. Call or email the site steward to learn about any last minute changes at (815) 347-9005 or psullivanschroyer@gmail.com.

Can't make if one of these dates or want to participate in other restoration days?

Check the Conservation District website, www.MCCDistrict.org, under the Get Involved tab for additional locations and dates. Or contact the site steward to be added to her notification list.