[BCNnet] New Habitat Clinic added

[bobolnk at ix.netcom.com]

Our roster of Habitat Clinics has grown to seven, with the addition of Hickory Creek Barrens in Will County on Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m. – noon.  Each three-hour-long clinic features on-the-spot field presentations with plenty of time for discussion. Site stewards  lead the clinics with support from regional experts, monitors, and experienced volunteers.

For all the details, visit http://www.habitatproject.org/default.asp?cid=40#hw

Here's the info on next week's clinic:

HARMS WOODS, COOK COUNTY
Saturday, June 17, 9 a.m. – noon

Owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, this 160-acre high quality woodland sits on a terminal moraine that slopes down to the Chicago River. The stewards have identified 325 native plant species on the site with a rich variety of shrubs. Work began in 1987 and has included the removal of invasives, controlled burns and opening of the canopy to encourage the herbaceous layer and oak regeneration.

Site Stewards John and Jane Balaban will discuss:

Management Over the Long Term: The stewards have seen the site evolve as nature responds to their initiatives. 
Site Richness: About 300 plant species are present including many shrubs. The stewards have done plant transects and compiled a site plant inventory. Lesson learned: Know winter shrub ID when clearing brush. 
Hydrology: Harms has erosion problems related to foot paths and bike trails. The stewards will explain what they are doing to fight erosion. 
Directions: From the south or north, take I-94 to the Old Orchard exit, turn west, and follow Old Orchard Road about a mile to its end at Harms Road. Turn left (north)and look for the parking lot about a block north of Old Orchard road, on the west side of Harms Rd. The sign says Glenview Woods (rather than Harms Woods).

Please register for any of the clinics by e-mailing Shelley Ancheta at chicagowildthings at yahoo.com or calling 847-965-9239. Habitat clinics are for free for current and potential Chicago Wilderness.

Judy Pollock
jpollock at audubon.org