Reed Turner Woodland Land Restoration

The Reed Turner Woodland Land Restoration Project - Page 2

In the winter of 2003, in order to create a healthier environment for wildlife, habitats were built on the frozen surface of Reed Pond. These habitats were made from fallen limbs brought in from the woodland portion of the preserve. As the ice melted in the spring, the habitats sank into the pond leaving about 10 feet of exposed branches above the surface. The sub-surface portions have become refuges for a variety of fish, muskrats, and box turtles, while the above surface branches are roosting places for a variety of birds. On most warm days a Kingfisher can be spotted searching for a meal from one of the exposed branches.

To thin out and in some cases completely remove certain species of trees, professional arborists are contracted. The trees are selected and tagged for removal. Some wood is cut and donated as fire wood, some is burned on site while much of the wood is mulched and used as material to cover the trails that wind their way through the preserve.

A great deal of work is on-going, including the restoration of meadows, prairies and stream corridors. There are many volunteer days and donations are always greatly appreciated. For more information please contact the Long Grove Park District. The Park District is also available by telephone at (847)438-4743.