Butterfly monitors with the Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network spent 36 hours monitoring across six preserves and found 17 species of butterflies. 32 monarchs were counted throughout the monitoring period. Plants of Concern monitoring started back up at Greene NP last fall with Addy Grisez, a 2024 Summer Restoration Intern, picking it up where we left off in 2016! VOLUNTEERING Eco-Crew: The Eco-crew focused their work at Mello’s Preserve at Westfork Savanna to create a greater sense of community and responsibility at this 103-acre nature preserve. The biggest turnout of volunteers for one day occurred in January, with 41 students, parents, and community members in attendance. Collaborated with the engagement team for volunteers with additional expertise to further enhance the volunteer experience—especially with students from Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep. Our dedicated volunteers helped contribute to the removal of 1.5 acres of buckthorn totaling 437.5 hours of work on site! Adventures In Restoration (AIR): AIR workdays contribute to the overall success for the Land Stewardship team and our collective goal to maintain and steward our preserves. Some notable jobs completed by the group included assistance with prescribed burn preparation in the spring and fall at Skokie River NP, seed processing,
removal of buckthorn and seed distribution at Everett Farm NP, assistance with Bagpipes & Bonfires set up and take down, and wrapping freshly planted trees at the Carruthers NP to protect them from deer. With 32 total days of volunteering this year the AIR team contributed to 577.5 total hours spent on restoration activities throughout the preserves. This year we celebrated and thanked the AIR team with a special lunch.
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