Contractor to clear buckthorn at forest preserve in Gilberts

An upcoming tree and brush thinning project at a Gilberts forest preserve will help give native oaks a better chance to grow.

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has hired a contractor to begin clearing nonnative and overstocked trees, plus invasive brush, at Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls early this month.

This is the third phase to aid in oak-hickory woodland restoration near the youth campground, part of Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve.

The 15-acre restoration area is within the largest contiguous remaining oak-hickory complex owned and managed by the Forest Preserve District.

"Few baby oaks are found in these woods," according to Natural Resources Director Drew Ullberg. "By removing the shade-producing buckthorn and honeysuckle, we'll give oak seedlings the sunlight they need to thrive."

Preserve users are asked to be mindful of the possibility of machinery and workers at the project area. Trails will be open in the preserve, but signs will alert preserve users to the project. The thinning project is expected to continue throughout February.

For more information on the Freeman Kame-Meagher Forest Preserve, visit www.kaneforest.com.