We are working with the Park District to arrange a volunteer cleanup of Ackerman woods on Nov. 1. The Park District is providing trucks and garbage bags, and we are discussing whether we can clear invasive brush on the same day. We will post new information here as we finalize the plans.
If you can help with this effort, please send us an email!
Sierra Club wrote an awesome little article about the Save Ackerman Woods movement and have forwarded over to the Creech's for them to post on the site. Wonderful article from a great organization.
Met someone while walking the dog the other day. The subject of the PD came up, as we mentioned that we were both pleased with the PD's maintenance of the Spring Ave. dog park.
The topic of the Ackerman Woods and the proposed fieldhouse came up, and I was a little surprised with the vehemence with which this casual acquaintance criticized the PD on both issues.
Still haven't come across anyone who favors the PD's recent plans for Ackerman...
I do not plan on attending as, mercifully, I will not be here. Genius timing, BTW. Right about then the leaves will blanket the ground and cover up any garbage. It'll be like a treasure hunt! I quote a friend who is rather intelligent...something like "I have a fairly good idea of what it would take to eradicate the non-native invasive plants from that area. Anyone can sign a petition and feel good about "saving" trees, but I truly doubt a bunch of people, who likely don't even mow their own yards, are going to buy some garden gloves and get out there over the course of several season/years and clean up that area. I am not at all optimistic that it will happen."
When will and who will be clearing out the dead and fallen trees from that rat's nest? I never noticed it until all of the hooplah surrounding its demise. Now that it is the public eye...and continues to be ignored...perhaps soccer fields would have been prettier.
Originally posted by J.R.Briquette: I quote a friend who is rather intelligent...something like "I have a fairly good idea of what it would take to eradicate the non-native invasive plants from that area. Anyone can sign a petition and feel good about "saving" trees, but I truly doubt a bunch of people, who likely don't even mow their own yards, are going to buy some garden gloves and get out there over the course of several season/years and clean up that area. I am not at all optimistic that it will happen."
My understanding is that the Cook County Forest Preserves have had considerable success in appointing citizens as "stewards" of specific areas, and giving them authority to perform certain maintenance that ordinary citizens are not permitted. Perhaps a similar system could work here?
The Ackerman Woods area is not huge. After a couple of dedicated clean-up days, I think a relatively small crew could maintain it in pretty decent shape. I don't think anyone is aiming at pristine forest - more like just keeping it from being a dumping ground.
