Woody Invasive Species Clearing Project
This winter, our well-trained crews will remove invasive woody species, primarily buckthorn, autumn olive, sandbar willow and honeysuckle, from the preserves listed below.
Removing invasive shrubs and trees in oak communities allows for enough sunlight to reach the ground level to encourage the growth of young native tree seedlings and other native vegetation.
Clearing will be completed through the use of hand tools and mechanical equipment. Brush and small trees will be burned in brush piles under carefully controlled conditions. The majority of the clearing work will occur during the winter months when the frozen ground conditions prevent disturbance to the soil, native plants and wildlife. Click on a map below to view the specific location of a clearing site.
Habitat goal: northern flatwoods and oak woodland.
Target species for removal: buckthorn, honeysuckle, and other invasive species. Selective thinning of canopy and sub-canopy trees.
Questions? Comments? Contact Matt Ueltzen, Restoration Ecologist II. Email. 847-968-3290.
Habitat goal: oak woodland.
Target species for removal: silver maple, boxelder, cottonwood, willow, ash, red cedar, and other invasive species. Selective removal of oaks, black cherry, basswood, black walnut, shagbark hickory, and elms.
Questions? Comments? Contact Ken Klick, Restoration Ecologist II. Email. 847-968-3284.
MacArthur Woods | Mettawa
Habitat goal: northern flatwoods and marsh/sedge meadow.
Target species for removal: silver maple, cottonwood, sugar maple, common and glossy buckthorn, and other invasive species.
Questions? Comments? Contact Matt Ueltzen, Restoration Ecologist II. Email. 847-968-3290.
Habitat goal: open savanna.
Target species for removal: cottonwood, common buckthorn, and other invasive species. Create canopy openness by thinning oaks and hickories.
Questions? Comments? Contact Matt Ueltzen, Restoration Ecologist II. Email. 847-968-3290.
Habitat goal: savanna, prairie, and marsh wetland.
Target species for removal: silver maple, cottonwood, boxelder, black cherry, common buckthorn and other invasive species.
Questions? Comments? Contact Matt Ueltzen, Restoration Ecologist II. Email. 847-968-3290.
Wadsworth Savanna | Wadsworth
Habitat goal: oak savanna/woodland.
Target species for removal: buckthorn, honeysuckle, and other invasive species. Selective thinning of canopy and sub-canopy trees.
Questions? Comments? Contact Nick Huber, Restoration Ecologist II. Email. 847-968-3286.