Tag Archive for "Restoration" - Friends of the Forest Preserves

Posts Tagged ‘Restoration’

BreShaun Spikes: Leadership in Training

Posted: March 11th, 2015

Breshaun Spikes and the Forest Preserve Leadership Corps tour Sagawau Canyon.

Two years ago, I would have never seen myself where I am today. Totally unaware, and pretty much apathetic to the entire aspect of conservation and the environment, I couldn’t imagine the opportunities and knowledge that I have gained. Through volunteering, I was introduced to the Student Conservation Association and Friends of the Forest Preserves, and I have developed a passion for conserving the environment and advocating for its widespread influence on the world we live in.

My experiences with Friends and the SCA have encouraged and motivated me to spread the word to my peers. In the summer of 2013 I had the opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital, and converse with our leaders and representatives about civil and environmental issues. It was my first time traveling to Washington, D.C., and my first time on a plane. While in high school still, I spoke at Triton College about the environmental architectural powerhouse, Jens Jensen, and how Chicago and other metropolitan areas can work toward becoming more environmentally innovative and aesthetically pleasing.

BreShaun Spikes leads a presentation at Chicago Portage Days.

Joining the Forest Preserve Leadership Corps with Friends of the Forest Preserves only furthered my knowledge and passion for the environment and conserving it. Since joining the family in August of 2014, I’ve took on numerous classes and continue to expand my rapidly growing plethora of skills and certifications. I feel extremely accomplished, looking over all of the abilities I have, thanks to Friends and the FPLC. From my Feller II Chainsaw Certification, to my Prescribed Burn Certification, it’s really an amazing growth from bow saws and loppers during the summer programs. It warms my heart to be able to tell someone what type of tree or shrub something is, when I think back to only being able to identify buckthorn and hawthorne.

I really am extremely grateful for everything that has been presented to me these few years that I’ve been a part of the team! I cannot wait to continue to grow in the environmental field, and better myself and the people around me. Friends, FPLC, and the SCA has positively changed my life in a way that words cannot fully explain, and I feel indebted to do the same for my peers, and anyone else with an ear to listen. I plan on attending college in the fall, and even starting my very own non-profit organization eventually!

Steward Spotlight: Chris Haddad Scanlon, Sundown Meadows

Posted: February 3rd, 2015

Chris Haddad Scanlon is the steward of Sundown Meadows. She recently turned 32 and is currently an Assistant Attorney General in the Medicaid Fraud Bureau of the Illinois Attorney General’s office. She has been a steward for almost 11 years! We asked her for the 411 on her site and being a steward.

1. Tell us about Sundown Meadows.

Well, for those who do not know, Sundown Meadows is nestled up against Arie Crown, just across the street from Theodore Stone Woods. All three sites are managed now and are looking pretty great. It has a mix of prairie -which you have to go off the marked trails to find- and woodland, as well as a man-made and stocked lake (Lake Ida). I have even seen people ice fishing on that lake, though that is a rare site.

Sundown Meadows has some old foundations from buildings I have yet to identify. The ones I have found are located in the western/northwestern section of the site, off the orange trail, and they are much more accessible in the winter.

Also, the prairie is looking really great lately due to the help of school groups, scout troops, and some contractors. It has a high concentration of Marsh Blazingstar (Liatrise Spicata), as well as other beautiful plants, so I highly recommend visiting the prairie in late July or early August.

2. What got you on the path to becoming a Steward?

When I was a freshman in high school at Nazareth Academy, I heard an announcement over the PA asking if we wanted to learn how to cut down trees and save the environment at the same time. It piqued my interest, so I went to the presentation. The following Saturday I went to my first volunteer workday at Bemis Woods with Dave Lloyd. Dave was a lot of fun to work with, as were his other volunteers, so I just kept coming back. By the time I went to college, I had started going to workdays at Ted Stone Woods as well with George and Barbara Birmingham. Barbara, George, and Dave all took me under their wing, and over the years I learned how to run workdays and manage a site. When I first got my certification, Dave let me co-steward with him at Bemis for a while, until I got Sundown Meadows.

3. How is it living in Springfield and having a site here? How did that happen and do you have a succession plan?

Well, I will answer the last question first, because that has the shorter answer. My husband, Josh, and I got an opportunity in Springfield that we just could not pass up, so we moved. As to a succession plan, I guess I have not really given it much thought.

Now, as to your first question, the only way I can pull off managing Sundown Meadows while living in Springfield is because I have a spectacular support system. My parents live in the suburbs, about 15 minutes from Sundown Meadows, and they have been my base of operations since I became a steward. When I come up, I always stay with them, and they have let me store tools, equipment, and seed in their shed since I became a steward. I never really had my own car until we moved to Springfield, and they have always let me use their car. Josh is also very support of my monthly trips to Chicago. My husband and my family are my regular volunteers, and I really cannot say enough about the kind of support they have shown me.

In addition to my family, my fellow stewards have really stepped up to help me, as has the District. The Birminghams at Ted Stone and the Dudlos at Arie Crown have gone out of their way to help me get tools when I need extras for a big group. Kathy Garness has covered some of my workdays when I could not make it, so I did not have to cancel them. Even the District has gone above and beyond by delivering tools directly to Sundown Meadows on my workdays. There is no way I could do this from Springfield (or from anywhere else, really) without the help and support I get from my family, friends, and from the District!

4. What is the best and worst thing about being a Steward?

This is a surprisingly hard question. There are so many wonderful things about being a steward! I love having a site to manage: exploring it, discovering all of its quirks and what makes it unique, and even just being there. I also love sharing nature with anyone who will listen! Seriously, just ask my husband. I will happily share (even over-share) what I know about Sundown Meadows, ecosystems, nature, native plants, birds– you get the idea. I have been doing this for over a decade now, and I still have tons to learn. Perhaps the best thing is this there is always more to learn about your site, and when you are a steward you have the excuse to spend your time and effort learning every last bit of it, in as much detail as you want! I love learning about my site, watching it change, and seeing how it responds and grows.

The worst thing about being a steward is also a hard question. Having any kind of regular responsibility can be physically and mentally draining at times. Having one that is so very far away certainly does not make it any easier. That said, this question is difficult because I really love being a steward. Things that bother me (like distance, really cold weather, and mornings) just don’t matter very much. That does not mean I won’t complain about them (as my family can attest to), it just means that I love doing this, even when it is physically or mentally a pain in my behind.

Organizing for the Preserves

Posted: January 28th, 2015

Chris Weber talks to volunteers at Kickapoo Woods.

As one of Friend’s field organizers, my job is to find new people to help care for the preserves. Sometimes, this task is not as straightforward as it may sound.

To get people involved, I first have to get them to come to a preserve, period. Not only have many Chicagoland residents never set foot in a preserve, but more than a few have avoided them for decades.

It’s a legacy of uncertainty left over from a time when the preserves were perceived as a potential danger.

Those realities have changed and continue to change, but people’s uncertainty lingers. So, whenever I am out recruiting potential volunteers, one of my first tasks is to show people it’s safe. I have to show people the preserves are a place where they belong. We go to the preserves together so they can check out the vibe.

When we do, in addition to birds and wildflowers, they find something equally important: People using the preserves in safe, felicitous ways. People exercising. People gathering with friends. People eating lunch. People of all ages and races enjoying these green retreats.

They’re reassured, and then we plan what’s next: Nature hikes, volunteer days, community events. The forest preserves are good habitat for everyone.

By: Chris Weber, Field Organizer-South for the Centennial Volunteers

Christopher Weber is a field organizer, working to build community support around South Side preserves. Prior to joining Friends, he managed a volunteer-run garden at the Lincoln Park Zoo. A long-time environmental journalist, he contributes in his spare time to news sites like Civil Eats and Grist. Chris lives with his family in Hyde Park. His favorite native plant is rattlesnake master.

Centennial volunteers say there’s Somme-thing about Northbrook woods

Posted: December 19th, 2014

Drivers motoring on Dundee Road in Northbrook Dec. 14 near Somme Woods East were treated to a scene from a holiday card.

Volunteers from locales such as Northbrook and Evanston were planting an estimated 100 species of seeds, Johnny Appleseed style. Next spring, wildflowers and grasses are expected to flourish among acorn-dotted floors in forests featuring burr and white oaks near open marshes.

Two large brushfires, safely controlled and providing a burst of orange color against grayscale timbers, brought landscapes to life.

People working a shift as part of the Centennial Volunteer Restoration Days experienced fresh air and the aroma of food roasting over an open fire.

The delicacies in an earthenware tagine pot were not chestnuts. Instead they bore wintry cold box treats, including cauliflower, chickpeas, carrots and onions, slow roasted with garlic and olive oil.

“Do veggies taste better outside?” said Peter Kim of Northbrook, a volunteer who swept the exterior circle of one open fire east of Waukegan Road. “Of course they do!”

Championing the restoration of Forest Preserve District of Cook County lands are Friends of the Forest Preserves, Audubon Chicago Region, Friends of the Chicago River and FPDCC itself.

“This is a group of volunteers that has been brought together to celebrate Cook County Forest Preserve’s 100-year anniversary,” said Josh Coles, community organizer with the Friends of the Forest Preserves, a non-profit affiliate in downtown Chicago.

“It’s a really exciting project,” added Coles, who spoke near a cackling brushfire that was forming a white crust near its rim.

Worksites include lands in the Calumet region. Blue Star Memorial Woods in Glenview at Harms Road is a priority, besides Somme Woods East, which is across from the Waukegan Road Somme Prairie. The prairie, which is accessible near the Northbrook Post Office (2460 Dundee Road), also features ephemeral wetlands and more open savannahs toward the tollway.

“Somme Woods is unique because it’s an Oak woodland, a lot of interesting flora,” said Coles, whose volunteers Dec. 14 contained invasive plants such as woody buckthorn.

The blue spotted salamander, which is underground hibernating, might reveal itself in warmer seasons when a rotting log is overturned.

John Cherry Jr. of Northbrook worked with a hacksaw.

“It’s your lumberjack’s friend!” Cherry said with a smile, of that handy tool simplicity.

Tina Onderdonk of south Evanston said, “I just think it’s a great project.”

Lisa Youngberg, who grew up in Northbrook by the train station, is a Glenbrook North High School graduate. She enjoyed playing in the forest preserves as a child and says many neighbors don’t see the forest through the trees.

“You drive past it but you don’t see it, is that how it goes?” Youngberg said with a laugh, at the suggestion some folks don’t notice the Somme Woods East entrance.

“Come help us, we need you,” Youngberg urged, encouraging people to volunteer in their neck of the woods.

Evanston Township High School students also gave of their energy on a balmy December Sunday with temperatures in the lower 50 degree range, no drizzle.

ETHS sophomores Dec. 14 included Greta VandenHeuvel, 16, Bailey Minzenberger, 16, and Eloise Wesenberg, 15.

“Being a volunteer is important because it’s nice to help out the community and just really make a positive impact,” Bailey said.

“I think it’s really helpful to volunteer and help the habitat that’s naturally here,” Eloise said, concerned about halting invasive plant growth.

Stephen Packard of Northbrook, known in ecological circles as a steward of lands restoration, mentored others and offered a mid-shift healthy snack.

Peter Kim, who maintained his brushfire cinders as one might rake a rock garden, worked quietly as the snack he’d share roasted gently and openly as the fire faded.

A few days before Hanukkah and 11 days before Christmas, John Cherry Jr. had a message of peace.

“It’s important to be grateful,” Cherry said, pausing to talk between splitting wood. “It’s gratitude in action.”

Kickapoo: Revitalization of the Prairie

Posted: December 17th, 2014

The restored prairie at Kickapoo Woods.

As I think back to the very first time I walked on to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County site called Kickapoo Woods, I had very little knowledge about environmental restoration. I began my environmental career with Greencorps Calumet, learning and experiencing things that I’d never been exposed to before, such as plant identification, chainsaw certification, herbicide licensing, Chicago wilderness training, and more. I worked two years with Greencorps starting off as a crew member working my way up to the crew driver then supervising the crew gaining knowledge every step of the way.

Kickapoo was one of the sites we worked on that had the most impact on me. I looked at this site as if it was my baby, watching it grow from a small prairie surrounded by nothing but invasive trees, shrubs, and tons of other invasive species. After five years of working on this site, I have witnessed this small, seemingly unhealthy prairie grow into a large, healthy prairie. When we entered the site, we had to fight our way through the invasive trees and brush. Being poked by buckthorn (Rhamnus sp.), hawthorn (Crataegus mollis), and other invasive species. Not to mention looking at the sea of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), the common reed (Phragmites australis), purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and the prairie being taken over by thistles (Cirsium sp.).

Swamp Marigold at Kickapoo: Removing invasive plants helps native plants thrive.

This is my third year working with Friends of the Forest Preserves on this site, two years as the assistant crew leader, and now as the crew leader of the Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps. Walking on to this site amazes me of how different it looks today from five years ago. Friends of the Forest Preserves cleared the south ridge from the eastern tree line to the western tree line acres of buckthorn, pushed back hawthorn on the southern tree line, and removed quite a bit of white poplar (Populus alba) on the northern tree line. Friends has assisted in extended the prairie along with other contractors and volunteers, transforming Kickapoo woods in to the beautiful prairie we see today.

When I walk into the prairie now, I see beautiful wildflowers, and native plants and grasses with very small amounts of invasive species. Going to this site gives me a sense of peace and serenity. I’m so happy and excited about the beautiful transformation. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to stay motivated through removing a crowd of invasive species. We have done work all over, but the transformation of Kickapoo stands out for me. This is my second year supervising the Calumet crew. I can’t think of a better job or group of guys to work with. Friends of the Forest Preserves have completely changed my life and understanding of how and why conservation and restoration is so important.

By: Brenda Elmore

Brenda Elmore was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, and graduated from Fenger High School. After twelve successful years as a beautician, Brenda discovered her love for the outdoors and decided to shift careers. She supervised the Green Corps Calumet program for two years before she joined Friends in 2011.

Herbicide: A necessary last resort

Posted: December 9th, 2014

Our Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps applies small amounts of herbicide by hand to the invasive phragmites at Wentworth prairie.

As the assistant crew leader of the Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps, I can tell you that we use herbicide as a last resort. Unfortunately, some invasive species cannot be removed mechanically so we have to chemically control those invasive species. Whenever we use herbicide, we follow safety procedures so that no harm comes to ourselves or to other native plants. We always protect ourselves first by wearing the proper PPE (personal, protective equipment) when mixing and applying herbicides.

Applying herbicide is not bad at all if you read the label and mix it properly. For example, there is a special herbicide that we use only around water called Aqua neat. This chemical is water-friendly so it won’t affect the water or insects. There are different chemicals for different invasive species. We apply herbicide, for instance, when we cut buckthorn, because without the herbicide, the buckthorn will grow right back the following year. Certain sites are high quality areas where we don’t use herbicide at all. Overall, we only apply herbicide in limited quantities directly to the invasive plants, and only when necessary. Without herbicide, many of our efforts to remove invasive species and restore the natural habitats would be wasted.

Tyrone Murdo collects native seeds at Dolton Prairie for planting later in the year.

By: Tyrone Murdo

Tyrone Murdo is the assistant crew leader of the Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps. He has been working with Friends for four years and is a master chainsawyer. He loves coming to work everyday knowing that he is making a direct difference in the world, and spending time with his crew members.

Deshawn Johnson: Three internships, one organization

Posted: November 25th, 2014

I can honestly say that being a part of Friends of the Forest Preserves has prepared me for the “real world”. I have learned so many wonderful skills and gained a ton of knowledge. I have been fortunate enough to participate in a total of three Friends programs: the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps, Forest Preserve Leadership Corps, and the Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps. From meeting new people, to gaining all the experience and certifications, down to the laughter I get on lunch breaks with my crew, I’ve loved every minute.

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps
I started working for Friends of the Forest Preserves when I was just 14 years old. I was just entering high school. I met Alice and Benjamin from another organization I participated in. The organization was “Fishin’ Buddies”. John Kidd introduced us and I’ve been with Friends ever since. I had little to no knowledge of the forest preserves. I had no clue that there were so many different species of trees and plants. I started on the summer internship program and met some wonderful teens, all from different areas. I even met some who lived fairly close to me, whom I would’ve never thought to speak to, if it wasn’t for Friends. We did a lot of work in the forest preserves using hand tools. This was the crew in which I first learned about invasive species.

Forest Preserve Leadership Corps
From the summer internship program, I moved up the ladder to the Forest Preserve Leadership Corps (FPLC). The FPLC is geared towards 18-20 years. It’s the step in between being a summer crew member (14-graduation from high school) and a crew leader (21+). I met my wonderful crew leader, Daiva Gylys. Daiva helped me gain a ton of certifications as well as intuitive knowledge she’d spread along the way. I had a lot of fun on this crew. We went out to high schools to teach about the forest preserves and inform students about our internship opportunities. We worked in the field of course. We even took mini field trips to the dunes and to the Nature Conservatory to do work for them both. Once, we even went to Oregon, Illinois to do work for a camping ground.

Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps
Finally, I landed my gig on the Calumet crew. This was a major transition for me. We used to spend some work days with the Calumet crew when we first got our chainsaw certification. I looked up to those guys. I loved working with them because they were what we called “Platinum Chaps”. They were the masters of power tools. Being on this crew, gave me all the knowledge about power tools I could ever ask for. I am now a Platinum Chap member as well. I learned to be even more responsible, accountable for my mistakes, and to work really hard while having fun. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew supervisor, Brenda Elmore, and assistant supervisor, Tyrone Murdo. They are the most loving and well-rounded people I know. I love the unlimited laughs we all share and the tremendous amount of work we get done.

Calumet Invasive Species Conservation Corps crew leader Brenda Elmore and crew member Deshawn Johnson spread native seeds at Wentworth Prarie.

By: Deshawn Johnson

Deshawn is 21 years old and studying Computer Engineering at DeVry University. After he graduates, he plans to get a solid background in the construction field and then combine his engineering degree with development. He hopes to work in green infrastructure all over the world one day.

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Crew Member Spotlight- Kacper Mierzejewski

Posted: August 5th, 2014

Name: Kacper Mierzejewski
Age: 18
Crew: Crabtree
School: College of DuPage

Kacper, an Addison Trail High School graduate, is relatively new to Friends of the Forest Preserves, but he is quite familiar with the conservation field. For the past year and a half, Kacper has been an active volunteer at Busse Woods. Kacper was first introduced to the conservation field when he went on a volunteer high school field trip to Busse Woods during his junior year of high school. During that field trip, Kacper was introduced to Matt Haas, the steward of Busse Woods and a Friends’ board member. After that trip, Kacper remained in touch with Matt and continued to volunteer at the site. Matt was impressed with Kacper’s work and suggested that Kacper should apply for the summer internship with Friends.

Kacper has excelled in his work since day 1 at the training, and according to his crew leaders, Kiley and Julia, Kacper has continued to be a stellar crew member all summer long. His previous experienced has helped him and his crew carry out high quality work and projects. Kacper is extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a crew member this summer. Kacper believes that youth programs like this one are very beneficial to not only the participants, but to their community and environment as well. Through this program, he has gained more knowledge in respect to conservation and other environmental education topics, and he has also gained experience in the field through hands-on work. Kacper said he will surely share his knowledge with people in his community. Kacper thinks that it is very important to help build the next generation of people with a more “green” mentality, and this program has certainly done that for him and his crew. He said that this program helps “educate, inspire, and preserve the environment.” When asked if he would recommend this program to other students, his immediate answer was yes. His reasoning is that “you get to meet great people, visit great places, and it’s just a blast working here.”

His advice to future CCLC members:
1. If the nature center doesn’t have mosquito nets, get them!
2. Don’t get over confident and not use your helmet.
3. Try to keep a positive attitude at all times. “Some days will be more fun than others, but having a positive attitude goes a long way.”

So what’s next for Kacper?
Kacper plans to spend the following two weeks biking, working out at the gym, playing Frisbee, hanging out with some friends and also catching up on some shows. After these two weeks, Kacper will start his first year of college at College of DuPage. He plans to get involved by volunteering at forest preserves near his college and he will also continue to volunteer at Crabtree and Busse Woods. Kacper will pursue an associate’s degree in science, and then he will pursue a career in the medical field and minor in an environmental related field at either Loyola University or Benedictine University.

By: Eduardo Paz, Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Apprentice Crew Leader

Eduardo Paz is currently an undergrad student at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in computer engineering. Eduardo first got involved with conservation work during his freshman year of high school at Infinity Math, Science and Technology High School. He volunteered at Camp Sagawau with the Associated Colleges of Illinois at a volunteer week hosted by the Student Conservation Association (SCA). After that, he kept in contact with Sam Vergara, who was the program coordinator for the SCA at the time. He then became a crew member for the SCA’s year round program up until his senior year of high school. For the past two summers, he has been an apprentice crew leader teaching environmental education lessons to the high school crew members in the Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Program. He plans to continue to enhance his knowledge in the conservation field and continue to carry out restoration work by becoming a new addition to the Friend’s Forest Preserve Leadership Corps internship.

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Crew Member Spotlight- Jose Dondiego

Posted: July 29th, 2014

Name: Jose Dondiego
Age: 18
School: Graduated from Whiney Young High School in 2014
Crew: Eggers Grove (Known as the Devil Eggers)

1. What is something you are passionate about? Medicine is something I’m very passionate about besides conservation work because, in any other way they both can combine together. Conservation is my second passion because being outdoors is just a stress reliever and it helps me focus on other things in life.

2. Is this your first conservation job? My first job in conservation was the year round program for the Student Conservation Association. Many things excite me when it comes to being outdoor like getting rid of invasive species, learning more about native plants and meeting new people.

3. Why do you think conservation is important? Conservation is very important to me because we need to preserve the very natural habitat we have, not only just in the U.S but in the entire world. Being involved in the conservation work gives me a great feeling, knowing that I’m doing a great thing to conserve natural habitats and ecosystems.

4. If you got the chance to go anywhere, where would you go? African plains and the African savannas.

By: Jesse Hernandez, Apprentice Crew Leader for Eggers Grove, Chicago Conservation Leaderships Corps

Jesse began his career with the Student Conservation Association in his Freshmen year of high school at Infinity Math, Science and Technology. He enjoys spending his time playing basketball, sleeping, and spending time with a special person. When he isn’t doing all of that he is out working with for Friends of the Forest Preservers.

Not only is Jesse a leader in Friends’ CCLC, he’s also a crew member of our Forest Preserve Leadership Corps.

Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps Crew Member Spotlight- Haider Baig

Posted: July 23rd, 2014

Name: Haider Baig
School: Graduated from Curie Metropolitan High School in 2014
Crew: Little Red Schoolhouse

When I think of a model Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps crew member, Haider Baig was the first to come to mind. Not only is Haider an exceptional student, but he is also a responsible individual who puts family first. Haider will be an incoming Freshman at DePaul University after graduating from Curie Metropolitan High School. Surprisingly, he considers doing household chores as hobby due to the amount of time he puts into them, as well as the importance of supporting his family. He enjoys reading and exploring new areas and environments. Haider hopes this six-week experience at Little Red Schoolhouse will help him develop his ability to communicate and collaborate with his current and future peers. He wants to receive his MBA at DePaul and try to influence the people around him to make smarter, greener choices. No matter what path he chooses to take, the future of this CCLC crew member is bright.

By: Jaime Davila, Apprentice Crew Leader for the Little Red Schoolhouse crew, Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps

Jaime began his career with the Student Conservation Association in his Junior year of high School at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School. He enjoys basketball, food, air, sleep and the internet.

Friends of the Forest Preserves

Posts Tagged ‘Restoration’

Join our mailing list!