Volunteers Sought to Help Restore Fabyan East Forest Preserve Saturday

Fabyan East Forest Preserve will look decidedly different, come Saturday afternoon.

That’s because Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will host the first of three restoration workdays planned for this year, at the preserve. Staff and volunteers are going to begin the first phase of removing non-native, invasive brush such as buckthorn and honeysuckle, as well as remove any litter throughout the old woodland. The brush cutting will eventually open up the view into the preserve from Route 25.

“Acorns annually drop from the canopies of the giant oaks here, but the nuts don’t grow into trees due to the intensive shade. Oaks need full sun to survive,” said Drew Ullberg, director of natural resources. 

“The Fabyan East woods covers just over 100 acres and is actually one of the largest solid blocks of oak-hickory woods owned by the district. With a dedicated core volunteer group, we hope to revive these woods so young oak trees can once again grow and enjoy a taste of full sunlight,” Ullberg said.

The public is needed to help restore this heavily used preserve. Volunteer workdays are available for families, Scout groups, youth organizations, corporate groups or individuals. Groups of five or more should RSVP to Volunteer Coordinator Robb Cleave at 630-762-2741. Bring work gloves and a water bottle. The Forest Preserve District will provide loppers and other tools to complete the restoration work. 

In addition to the Nov. 17 event, restoration workdays at Fabyan East Forest Preserve are planned for Dec. 15 and Jan. 19. Both events are 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information on the District or restoration workdays at other preserves, visit the Kane County Forest Preserve website. 

SOURCE: Kane County Forest Preserve District press release