FOREST GLEN — As slightly warmer temperatures roll in, Northwest Side neighbors can get outside and reconnect with nature during a volunteer clean up this weekend.
Cook County Forest Preserves officials are calling for volunteers to help clear brush in Northwest Side forests Saturday and Sunday, inviting them to help restore the ecosystem, make new friends and, yes, light stuff on fire.
"We'll basically be putting a pair of loppers or a bow saw in your hand, and we'll show you what to do," said Joanna Huyck, a volunteer coordinator with the forest preserves. "We'll be removing invasive plant species and helping native plants and animals return to the area, so it's really impactful work."
Once the unwanted sticks and branches are cleared, volunteers will gather it into "basically a giant bonfire, which ends up being a great way to warm up on cold days," Huyck said.
Volunteers are asked to sign up on the forest preserve website to meet at the Forest Glen Woods, 5420 N. Forest Glen Ave., at 10 a.m. Saturday. Another brush-clearing session is set for the Labagh Woods, 4498 W. Foster Ave., at 10 a.m. Sunday.
"You don't have to have any knowledge or experience with ecology to participate," Huyck said. "All you need is a love of nature and some sturdy shoes."
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