Hawthorne Hill Nature Center November Habitat Restoration Work Day

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Habitat restoration is an ongoing process and great volunteer opportunity to learn about plants and animals. Habitat restoration involves removal of invasive species such as European Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, and Garlic Mustard which choke out native plants by blocking sunlight and nutrients. As we remove invasive plants at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, we are finding native flowers such as Trout Lilies, Jack in the Pulpit and numerous other native woodland flowers. As we clear invasive brush, we are freeing previously hidden native trees such as Hawthorn, Hickory, and Oak saplings, Elderberry bushes, and numerous other native plants. Our goal in habitat restoration is to increase native plant biodiversity on our site, which in turn attracts more wildlife, butterflies and bird species.

We welcome individuals, families, teams, cubs and groups to Habitat Restoration Work Days, volunteers 10 years old and up are welcome to participate. Volunteers under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. New volunteers must sign a waiver form. ALL volunteers under the age of 18 must have the waiver form signed by a parent or guardian. Please bring a water bottle, wear work boots/tough shoes that may get muddy and dirty, long pants, long sleeves, and dress for the weather.

For more information or to sign up contact Naturalist Maura Neuffer at neuffer_m@cityofelgin.org or 847-931-6770.