WEST RIDGE — Things got ugly when the Chicago Park District attempted to remove invasive tree species at the city's new nature preserve.
Tim Czarnecki, Ald. Pat O'Connor's 40th Ward chief of staff, shared details Thursday night about neighbors' efforts to sabotage the park district's efforts.
He said residents were suspected to have entered the fenced-off park and pluck identifying ribbons from trees deemed invasive species. They feared the park district planned to clear-cut the property, he said.
But the plan didn't work.
The trees were re-identified and chopped down.
Don't fret, treehuggers: The park district plans to replant twice as many trees and shrubs than what was removed, according to Czarnecki.
The West Ridge Nature Preserve should open to all on Aug. 1.
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