[BCNnet] Give Back to Birds - Field Trip and Workday

[pjbruchman at comcast.net]

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Give Back to Birds - Field Trip and Workday - Bartel Grassland, Matteson, southern Cook County 
April 24, 2010 
8:00am - 9:15am Bird Walk 
9:15am - Snack 
9:30am - 12:00 Workday 
12:00 - Picnic Lunch 
The Bird Conservation Network is sponsoring its fourth Give Back to the 
Birds - Field 
Trip/Workday at Bartel Grassland, an Illinois Important Bird Area , located 
near Matteson in southern Cook County. This grassland and wetland complex 
has been undergoing continuous habitat improvements over the past eight 
years. We will enjoy the fruits of this improvement, and help the Bartel 
Grassland Volunteers to resort more wetland. 
Dick Riner and Judy Pollock will lead the birding tour, where we will learn 
about the project and look for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl in the 
wetlands as well as early-arriving grassland birds. Last year, 15 species of 
shorebird including Wilson's phalarope were sighted around this time of 
year, as well as Lapland longspurs, and a whooping crane . 
After the early morning bird walk, we will enjoy a complimentary snack 
before we begin to plant sedges in a new wetland. These plugs will spread 
and form a thick turf that will help to resist the spread of cattails and 
reed canary grass , which ruin so much wetland habitat locally. We will be 
using a non-taxing, "no-kneeling" planting method that the Bartel volunteers 
have perfected over time. 
This Saturday trip/workday will take place rain or shine. People of all ages 
will find a way to help. Waterproof boots are a must - wellies are best - we 
will be in a wetland. Dress in layers and bring along an extra set of shoes 
and socks for the ride home, just in case. Bring a sack lunch if you would 
like to picnic after the workday. Goodies for dessert will be provided! 
BCN would like to know how many to plan for. Please RSVP to Joan Bruchman at 
847-687- 3108 or pjbruchman at yahoo.com. Also let Joan know if you would like 
to join a carpool. 
Directions to Bartel Grassland: I-57 to Vollmer Road exit. Take Vollmer Road 
west about a half block to the light at Central. Go north (right) on Central 
- Bartel Grassland is on your left. At the next stop sign, Flossmoor, turn 
left and then left again into the parking lot. 
Give Back to Birds is a series of "work and birding" trips sponsored by the 
Bird Conservation Network. The purposes: Fellowship and camaraderie among 
our bird conservation and birding communities. Helping out some sites that 
have conservation needs. And seeing some great birds and beautiful places! 


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