Although James Mullen, his crew of 23 Scouts or volunteers, and employees of The Care of Trees had never worked together before, they soon determined they were all industrious workers and have the removed buckthorn to prove it!

James Mullen of Lake Zurich Boy Scout Troop 964, as part of his Eagle project, originally planned to clear approximately one quarter acre of invasive buckthorn. Through the generosity of The Care of Trees, however, James and his volunteers doubled that amount. Having a local office in Deer Park and learning of the project through the Leave No Child Inside initiative, The Care of Trees donated the expertise of John Kelly, Gumersindo Hernandez and Martine Jarmillo plus hand held tools, a wood chipper, and a truck to haul the shredded buckthorn. James appreciatively notes that “The Care of Trees did a great job. It wouldn't have been possible without them.” Once The Care of Tree’s truck was filled, James led his group of volunteers spreading the chips on the walking paths at the centennial Vehe Farm in Deer Park. By cutting the invasive buckthorn the area is now open for prairie restoration.

Be sure to read Of Books and Nature: An LNCI Success Story to see what our own Ryann Uden of the Barrington Area library has achieved! The Chicago Wilderness organization offers a wealth of information and news in their monthly bulletin. Check out the August bulletin for additional articles of interest.