Volunteers dig in on Earth Day at St. James Farm

A group of employees from CA Technologies in Lisle got out of the office for a few hours Thursday to help out at St. James Farm Forest Preserve near Warrenville.

As part of a worldwide Earth Day event for the company, the group removed dead tree limbs and buckthorn from trees in the preserve’s evergreen nursery.

“This is going to be beautiful and clear when it’s done and it will really help the trees,” said Deborah Brooks, volunteer recruitment specialist for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.

This is the fourth year a group of 10 to 12 employees from the technology company has come out for the event.

Groups from both small and large companies regularly help the farm staff maintain its 605 acres.

Paul Kanzer, a customer success director, was back for the third time.

“I enjoy doing this. Hopefully it helps maintain the beauty of the grounds,” he said.

CA Technologies is a global IT management software and solutions company with 400 employees in Lisle. The event was part of its annual Earth day celebration with 17 community volunteer activities across the globe.

Sean Markley, director of technical support, said it was a nice opportunity to get outside and help.

“It’s one thing to enjoy the park, it’s another to go out and actually do something for the park for a change. You don’t get many structured opportunities to do that.”