Outings

Sierra Club
Woods & Wetlands Group

July, 1998

Date	Location	Rating	Leader / Contact	Bring	Fee
See Photos below!
Sunday, July 11 9:00 -12:00 a.m.	Sun Lake Stewardship, Lake Villa	(2,2,3)	John Massman 847-838-9440 JWBEIWM@webtv.net	Water, Sunscreen, Eye Protection.. Dress ruggedly.	Free!
Enjoy this pristine Forest Preserve while liberating it from the invasion of exotic species.			N on Deep Lake Rd from Rt. 132, W on Painted Lakes/Gelden Rd for 200 ft, L on gravel road to pumping station

Sunday, July 19	Canoe the Nippersink, McHenry	(3,3,4)	Trip Full. Let me know if you'd like to be on the Canoe contact list for next canoe outing.	Water, Hat, Sunscreen, Lunch.	$1 + Canoe Rental
Gary Mechanic, Chairman of the Interim Board of Directors of the Des Plaines River Watershed Alliance, and regional canoe authority, will guide us through the region's more enjoyable waters. The Nippersink is one of the highest quality streams in the region.			Please sign up, and indicate whether you have a canoe, an open seat, and a transport vehicle. Plans will be made accordingly.

Sunday, July 19	Glenview Naval Air Station Field Trip Cook County	(3,3,2)	Karen Laner 847-657-9220 LANERK@aol.com Call soon! Trips almost full. Hot-Line: 847-680-6437x6;5	Water, Hat, Sunscreen, binoculars.	$1
So far only 14 acres of prairie have been set aside at the 480 acre site. 100 acres are needed to support unusual birds at the site. Come see them for the last time on this specially arranged tour. Reservations required. There will be an additional trip Aug 1st			Please sign up, and you will be contacted with directions.

**Sun Lake Forest Preserve Stewardship**
**Just north of Lake Villa, Sun Lake, known as one of the most pristine lakes in the County, is ringed by woods and wetlands, surrounded by open prairie.**
	Before The ground below this magnificent Bur Oak is choked off with non-native (exotic) buckthorne. The two white blobs are volunteers determined to tip the balance in favor of native species (while getting a great outdoor upper body workout!)
	After Light that now filters down through the Bur Oak will reach the ground, where a profusion of flowering native plants can now reestablish ... with the aid of a little fire. The white blobs now enjoy a refreshing cool drink in the newly created clearing. Every month John leads volunteers to a new spot. Click here to return to the chart:

**Canoeing the Nippersink !**
	Boats & Boatmeister Our downstream vessels atop our upstream vehicle. Dan (right) made it easy, dropping off the boats, and picking us up later.
	Lunchtime Landing Half way through Glacial Park Conservation Area, it was time to let the toddlers work off some energy.
	Wouldn't it be Great ... Accessible only by canoe and farm tractor, the remote picnic area begged the question, "why aren't there places like this in Lake County?" Chairman of the Interim Board of Directors of the Des Plaines River Watershed Alliance, Guide Gary Mechanic (on the table) projected his vision of many more waterways with improved waters, and recognized waterways, both for the Des Plaines River, and our threatened regional waters.
	Completely Spontaneous Snapped by Outfitter extraordinaire Dan McKenzie, owner of Outdoor Adventures. Back: Wayne Ilger, Gary Mechanic (Guide), Beth, Evan Craig (Leader), Rebekah, Donna, Debra Schwartz, Jillian, Jeanne Freed (Conservation Chair) Front: Madison-Lee & Bob & Mary, Berit & John Massman (Conservation Chair) & Isak Click here to return to the chart:

**Glenview Prairie**
Out of nearly 500 acres received from the Navy for free, Glenview has set aside only 14, with a 10 foot buffer. The endangered species which previously nested here left when the earthmovers began removing the topsoil. Hoping to expand the prairie buffer, the Glenview Prairie Preservation Project led hundreds of residents on tours. The village is so far unmoved.
	Prairie Invaders Nate Fuller points out native plants. In the background is the pretty, but invasive european Purple Loosestrife. Over his shoulder is his dad, Kent, a Village Trustee. Kent secured acces to the site and led tours. Many others were essential to the success of the tours, including members of the new Glenview Prairie Preservation Project, and specialists from The Nature Conservancy.
	Diverse Beauty Unlike the Purple Loosestrife, these spectacular Prairie Blazing Star thrive, leaving plenty of space for other species. Will we be wise enough to do the same? To get involved, click W&W Alert Click here to return to the chart:

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