Ecologist to discuss restoring vegetation
You can be "outstanding in a field," - seed collecting that is - as you explore how Restoring Vegetation as a Practice benefits natural areas and your own garden.
Join Tom Simpson, Research Field Station ecologist and Greg Rajsky, director of Small Waters Education for McHenry County Conservation District, in the next Spirit of Conservation workshop focusing on "Restoring Vegetation as a Practice," from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Pleasant Valley Conservation Area, 13315 Pleasant Valley Road, Woodstock.
Ecological restoration often begins with landscapes that have lost much of their native flora and fauna, and for this reason reintroduction of natives is a necessary part of the restoration process.
Learn how the conservation district chooses the plant species appropriate for each ecosystem type, the relative benefits of seeding versus planting, site preparation methods, and seed collection and processing techniques.
The Spirit of Conservation program combines educational activities with land stewardship volunteer activities.
Each day will involve hands-on field work, learning, conversation, a brown bag-it lunch and review of the day's activities. Anyone age 16 and older interested in learning about ecological restoration and the spirit of conservation today is invited to join.
The programs are free and open to the general public, existing land stewards and other volunteers.
Next workshop: Oct. 10 at Pioneer Landing in Glacial Park Conservation Area on "Identification of Trees and Shrubs" with Tom Simpson, Research Field Station ecologist. Visit bit.ly/SOC-MCCD for additional fall dates, locations and themes.
Bring gloves and eye protection if you have it. Both will be provided if you don't have them. Wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for outdoor work and weather conditions. Bring a sack lunch and something to drink.
RSVP before each date is requested. Contact Tom Simpson at tsimpson@mccdistrict.org or (815) 678-4532, ext. 8218.