Invasive trees axed at Elgin's Fitchie Creek

A two-week woodland restoration project began March 7 at Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve, near Bowes and Nesler roads in Elgin.

Invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle will be cleared, along with some dense stands of aggressive, native trees such as black cherry.

"Controlling non-native species is vital, since oak and hickory seedlings cannot thrive under the deep shade typically created by thickets of buckthorn and honeysuckle," said Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources for the forest preserve district. The cut-up trees and brush will be ground into mulch and left behind to decompose, thereby returning nutrients to the soil.

"The restoration work will promote a healthy, open woodland that supports more tree, flower, and wildlife types than one left overrun by non-native plants," Ullberg said.

Woodland restoration projects are part of the forest preserve district's mission of preserving natural resources and habitats within Kane County, as well as a goal of developing high-quality, diversified preserves that enhance significant environmental resources and features.

Prior to the tree-thinning and brush-cutting work, letters were mailed to nearby residents, to alert them to the upcoming project. In addition, signs have been posted at Fitchie Creek to make visitors to the area aware of the restoration work taking place.

If you have any questions about the project, call the Kane County Forest Preserve District at (630) 232-5980. More information about Fitchie Creek is available on the district's Web site at www.kaneforest.com.