Walk #1: Judy Woodson residence
I was so fortunate 5 years ago to find my new home next to a Land Conservancy natural wetland. However, I couldn’t see into the wetland because of buckthorn and thistle. My yard also, contained three islands of non native shrubs and garden perennials–Stella de Oro daylilies galore! My first project was to remove the offending buckthorn. With the help of my son, grandsons and mainly The Land Conservancy of McHenry County all the buckthorn are gone from my area. Thistle control is ongoing. During this time I started to replace the islands of cultivated plants with natives. I joined the WPPC mentoring program and with the help of Pat Sullivan-Schroyer I now have hazelnut, prairie drop seed, purple prairie clover, butterfly milkweed and many more natives. I spread the seeds from my natives along the wetland edge. I am visited by monarch butterflies, sand hill cranes, blue herons, egrets and many species of birds. Working outside is my joy!
Directions: Turn north at the intersection of 47 & 14 into Woodstock. Turn left on Southview Dr. just past Bull Valley Ford dealership. Turn right onto Savanna Ln. Savanna becomes Barbary Ln. 620 Barbary is on the left just beyond the wetland.
