Groups plan events for National Public Lands Day
Kane County Forest Preserve District: They will dig the holes if you plant the trees. The Kane County Forest Preserve District seeks volunteers to help plant 400 oak trees on Saturday, Sept. 26, as part of National Public Lands Day.
It is America's largest hands-on, volunteer effort to improve and enhance public lands. Last year, an estimated 120,000 Americans took part by building trails and bridges, removing trash and invasive plants, and planting more than 1.6 million trees. 2009 marks the event's 16th year.
Locally, the forest preserve district is looking for volunteers to help plant oak trees between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve in Elburn.
This will be the third year that trees have been planted at Johnson's Mound Forest Preserve as part of the event. Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources, said the goal is to re-create an oak savanna that once stood at that preserve. Each year, plantings are adjacent to what was planted the prior year. Ullberg said he hopes to get between five and 10 trees planted per acre, with 2,000 total trees planted over five years.
"This is a terrific event because it brings the community together, anyone can take part, and it improves the forest preserves for generations to come," said Laurie Metanchuk, director of community affairs. "We had just about 100 volunteers come out last year, and we hope to have even more take part this year."
For information on the forest preserve event or to R.S.V.P., contact the district's volunteer coordinator Julia Bourque at (630) 762-2741. Information on National Public Lands Day is also available at www.kaneforest.com.
Nature Conservancy Natural Area Volunteers: National Public Lands Day, a nationwide celebration of our public lands, will be celebrated from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Lake in the Hills Fen at Barbara Key Park on Pyott Road. You will help collect seed to restore the prairie. Complete a nature quiz to win a prize. A Twilight Hike with flashlights will begin at 6:30 p.m. Fill out the end of the day with a hot dog and roast marshmallows to make s'mores as a thank you for your help. All ages are welcome. Groups welcome, but call ahead, (847) 658-0024, so there are enough hot dogs. For information, visit www.LITHFen.org. The day is sponsored locally by The Nature Conservancy Natural Area Volunteers. For information, visit www.publiclandsday.org. Last year 120,000 volunteers worked in over 1,800 locations and in every state.
McHenry County Conservation District: Grab your gloves, put on your work shoes and join McHenry County Conservation District's "Help A Habitat Day!" from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 at Wiedrich Education Center in Glacial Park Conservation Area, 6316 Harts Road in Ringwood. This event is held in conjunction with National Public Lands Day, a nationwide volunteer effort to give back to nature and enhance our public lands.
Participants will start at Wiedrich Education Center to learn about the Conservation District's restoration efforts for prairie, woodland and wetland habitats. Tour exhibits, visit the children's craft table, then head out to one of the ongoing restoration projects: clearing invasive woodland brush, collecting prairie seed or monitoring the quality of the wetlands.
Some projects are not suited for all ages; call (815) 479-5779 for details. To participate in a work project, arrive between 1 and 3 p.m., wear sturdy shoes, long pants and bring a water bottle. Safety equipment will be provided - bring work gloves and safety glasses if you have them. Don't forget to stop back at the Education Center afterward for some well-deserved refreshments. Registration is not required for this event. For information on volunteer opportunities or sign up to receive the quarterly newsletter, visit www.MCCDistrict.org or call (815) 338-6223.