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Bunker Hill Oxbow Prairie - Stewardship Volunteer Days

Listed by Ecological Stewardship

About

This old oxbow in the Chicago River's North Branch is a combination of low, wet prairie soils and slightly higher mesic prairie soils. A small open savanna lies northwest of Bunker Hill savanna. The mesic prairie had an abundance of non-native grasses, Queen Anne's lace, and tall goldenrod. With management, the more conservative prairie plants such as northern dropseed, stiff goldenrod, golden alexanders and big bluestem grass are returning. Join North Branch Restoration Project volunteers and enjoy a different view here.

Groups use the RESERVE button to request a group reservation. Completing this form does not guarantee slots. We will reach out regarding availability.  

Requirements

Youth under age 18 must be accompanied by a legal parent/guardian or attend with a chaperoned organized youth group (school, scouts, church).

All volunteers need to complete the volunteer agreement and waiver form in order to participate. For volunteers under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver and attend the stewardship day. Be prepared for variable weather, uneven terrain, standing and/or walking for two or more hours, working near a fire, and hazardous insects and plants. 

What to Expect
Stewardship volunteers help to restore natural habitat by performing seasonal restoration tasks. The work may include removing weeds and invasive vegetation, cutting and burning invasive woody plants, collecting and spreading native seed, and collecting trash. These tasks may incorporate the use of tools, including hand saws, loppers, pruning shears, trowels, shovels, rakes, and other hand tools (manual). All necessary tools, supplies, gloves, and training will be provided.

Safety
While we strive to create the safest environment possible, it is impossible to eliminate all potential hazards when working outside in nature. Volunteers are advised to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes and other seasonally appropriate clothing that can get dirty. Bring a water bottle. Hazards may include stinging or biting insects, poison ivy, walking on uneven terrain, a fire to burn cut brush, and inclement weather.

Causes

ConservationEnvironment

Tags

Shifts



Non-Profit / Community Organization

Recent Impacts


Location

Enter through the Bunker Hill Forest Preserve entrance. From the north enter from Harts Road and proceed ¾ mile south through the parking lot. From the south enter from Caldwell Avenue (Caldwell and Tonty) and proceed ¼ mile north through the parking lot. The Oxbow is on the west side of the parking lot, near picnic grove #4.

Sustainable Development Goals

0

Impacts

0

Hours

309

Position(s) Filled

138

People

$0

Economic Impact

Social