Earth Day Planting Planned To Restore Tallgrass Prairie At Orland Grassland, Volunteers Sought

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Grassland Volunteers will soon host an Earth Day celebration and native shrub planting at the preserve.

On Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, the group will welcome volunteers to help restore the Tallgrass Prairie to health, with the planting of 5-gallon pots of shrubs including American Plum, Hazelnut, and Nannybeery Viburnum shrubs.

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"With the recent clearing of aggressive growing trees and non-native shrubs along LaGrange Road, the site was opened to a lot of light and noise pollution from that very busy roadway," said Pat Hayes, volunteer Site Steward at Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve, FPCC. "Thanks to some generous donations to the Orland Grassland Volunteers last year, we can purchase these shrubs and some important native seed as well. Native shrubs can grow two stories high.

"Bringing native shrubs to the perimeter landscape will not only contribute to our Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem, they will serve as a buffer for the noise and light."

The activity is open to adults or minors that are part of an organized, sponsored group, organizers said. Each species will need to be planted, watered and have a cage placed around it.

"The deer love our native plants including young shrubs," Hayes said. "Caging to keep them away from tender new plants is a must."

Tools and guidance will be provided, and treats will be offered afterward. Parking is in the parking lot on 167th Street just west of LaGrange Road.

For more information and to RSVP, go to the Orland Grassland Volunteer website, or contact Pat Hayes at 708-220-9596.