Join us February 25 for Bonfire! Food at the Sterne’s Woods & Fen Volunteer Work Day and Cookout

Fri February 16, 2018

THE EVENT

Come work up an appetite with us on Sunday, February 25th from 9-11AM.  We've also reserved the Sterne's picnic shelter for a chili cookout from 11-12.  This month we'll be working directly on the frozen fen, cutting and burning a dense stand of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle.  The park district will place steel sheets on concrete blocks to elevate the bonfire so it doesn't ignite the peaty soil below. 

WHAT TO WEAR

Don't wear anything nice!  There will be sparks falling that will burn holes in clothes, especially synthetics like polyester.  Cotton works well.  Dress in layers so you can adjust to the heat of the fire and the winter weather.

THE GROUP

We meet monthly at Sterne's picnic shelter, 5617 Hillside Drive.  Volunteers will have a chance to learn about restoration ecology and what makes Sterne’s Fen special.  Bring a waterbottle and a pair of work gloves.  The park district will supply the tools.  Email Brice Alt, volunteer site steward, to receive updates: bricemaieralt@hotmail.com  

THE PARK

Sterne’s Woods & Fen became an Illinois State Nature Preserve in 1994 to preserve and protect its unique ecology.  A fen is a rare type of wetland in which cold groundwater that is high in calcium and magnesium seeps to the surface.  The unique water chemistry supports plants that grow nowhere else.  Sterne’s Fen is home to at least 10 rare or endangered plant species.  The surrounding parkland acts as a buffer to the fen and includes prairie, oak savanna, and flatwood ecosystems.  Every one of those ecosystems can benefit from the efforts of volunteers.  Join us once a month and learn about them!

THANK YOU

Much thanks to the groups who have volunteered with us at Sterne's: MUDD, the Silver and Sleepy Hollow Creeks Watershed Coalition, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, the BREAK, Jacobs High School Interact, and Girl Scout Troop 888.

ECOLOGIC RESTORATION

By volunteering at a Sterne's workday you're helping with the ecologic restoration of an exceedingly rare type of habitat.  To learn more about restoration ecology, here's a quick video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNwQ6cRMTKI

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