Nature events to be held at Alden Sedge Meadow
Ecological restoration can often be back-wrenching, sweaty, tedious work and can take months to see the true benefits of the labor.
Despite these nuances, McHenry County Conservation District's volunteer stewards, Jack and Judy Speer of Alden, spend countless hours at Alden Sedge Meadow because they are connected to a purpose.
"We lived in Chicago and saw a lot of beautiful natural land being eaten up by sprawl. We wanted to move to an area where we could get reconnected with nature and share those connections with others. It is our ways of doing our bit to save the natural communities that still exist here," said Judy Speer, who has been volunteering with the Conservation District for nearly four years.
Alden Sedge Meadow features the headwaters of Nippersink Creek, an endangered oak savanna and woodland, and a pioneer cemetery. It is one of 16 conservation areas in the county that has active stewardship programs where the public is invited to participate in monthly workdays and assist in the restoration efforts.
Typical restoration work involves cutting down invasive plants, stacking brush and collecting native seeds.
The Speers also have begun restoration work at the once forgotten Brandow Cemetery, which dates back to 1850, representing some of the first settlers to this area.
A rededication ceremony of the cemetery is planned for 10 a.m. Oct. 13 and the public is encouraged to attend.
"The preservation of the pioneer cemetery allows us to keep both our historical and ecological heritage alive. The rededication ceremony is an opportunity to get people in the township involved who may not be interested in nature but are enthralled by the history," Judy said. "This history then opens the door for appreciating the ecological history."
A unique aspect of Alden Sedge Meadow workdays is that it is the only time the site is open to the public. In addition, the Speers include an educational presentation at each workday to further promote the mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
Presentations are given from noon to 1:30 p.m. followed by workday activities in the oak savanna until 3:30 p.m.
Upcoming workdays and educational presentations at Alden Sedge Meadow include:
Sunday: An Introduction to Lichens with Rich Hyerczyk of the Chicago Lichenological Society. Join a guided hike to observe and learn about these fascinating life forms with the region's foremost lichen enthusiast.
Oct. 13: Rededication of the Brandow Cemetery, in conjunction with Alden Township and the Conservation District.
Oct., 21: Water Monsters and Thunderbirds, a presentation of the mythological wildlife of our region.
Nov. 18: Winter Tree and Shrub Identification with Greg Rajsky. Learn how to recognize bark, branch and growth patterns.
"So many people in society have very little understanding about nature and their own connection within it. The time we spend at workdays allows us the opportunity to learn about our natural communities and help the land to be restored to greater health and diversity," Jack added.
For more information on how you can get involved at Alden Sedge Meadow, contact the McHenry County Conservation District at (815) 338-6223 or e-mail MCCD@MCCDistrict.org.