Friends of the Forest Preserves

The Skokie River and Chicago River meet at Watersmeet Woods, a hidden oasis among the north suburbs. With minimal access to most of the preserve, the area has remained ignored or unknown to most people. This might be why it’s also home to a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants generally not found elsewhere in the North Branch forest preserves. Luckily volunteers recognized the importance of Watersmeet and now work to preserve this site not only for plants but for the diverse wildlife that call this place home, including great blue herons, red tailed hawks, great horned owls, mink, turtles, and salamanders.

We’ll cut unwanted brush using hand tools and dispose of it in a brushpile fire. All necessary tools and training will be provided. Face coverings are required. Please bring your own water and snacks, as well as work gloves if you have them. Registration required. Meeting Location: Corner of Avon Ave and Winnetka Rd in Northfield, IL (100 Avon Ave, Northfield, IL 60093)

For your safety and comfort, please follow these guidelines:

• Bring water and a snack.
• Bring work gloves, if you have some. You will be provided some of you don’t.
• Dress according to the weather. Closed toe, water proof shoes are a must.
• Apply insect repellent. We often have some on hand if you forget.
• Wear your MASK – you will not be able to participate if you don’t have a mask.

For more information, please contact Derek Ziomber, North Branch Field Organizer, at derek@fotfp.org.

If you don’t find a date or location that works for you, more volunteer opportunities can be found at fpdcc.com/volunteer.