The North Branch Restoration Project is a group of dedicated citizens that work to help protect and restore native Illinois ecosystems. Precious remnants of our Illinois natural heritage are still found along the North Branch of the Chicago River, in forest preserves and other public lands. They hold remnants of the rich plant and animal communities that once graced the broad Illinois landscape.

We dream of a future where healthy native landscapes are managed for the benefit of all and where a knowledgeable public works hand in hand with landowners.

For in the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught. — Baba Dioum

But nature in the midst of a busy metropolitan area needs some help to thrive. Through hands-on efforts, we work to reverse some of the negative effects of human activities. By removing introduced weeds and invasive brush, we reduce competition that threatens native plants. Collecting and scattering seeds of native species, we restore the grasses and wildflowers to places where they’ve died out. And we help the Forest Preserve District bring back restorative fire to the prairies and woodlands.

The North Branch Restoration Project is an all-volunteer organization. We are teachers, pipe-fitters, lawyers, business owners, pharmacists, and students. We welcome all who care about the natural land to join this exciting and rewarding work!

We work in cooperation with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, the Volunteer Stewardship Network of The Nature Conservancy and the many conservation organizations within the Chicago Wilderness coalition.

HIGHLIGHTS

For Rare Plant Enthusiasts !

You're invited to join one of the Chicago Botanic Garden's spring 2012 workshops for rare plant monitors. This is a great opportunity to learn monitoring skills or to refresh your skills for the new season. New volunteers are required to attend one workshop. Monitors who have never been to a workshop are also asked to attend. Check the announcement for details and instructions for registering.

We abuse the land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. — Aldo Leopold

DOING THE WORK

Problem Plants
Removing buckthorn, an invasive shrub introduced from Europe. If allowed, it will take over the woodlands, shading out the native grasses and wildflowers.

Collecting Native Seeds
Seeds are key to restoring the native groundlayer. Ripe seeds are collected and re-distributed in restoration sites along the North Branch.

Bringing Back Fire
Fire shaped the landscape for thousands of years before settlement. Part of making the prairies and woodlands healthy again is restoring this important natural process.

Please join us!

Each year we gather in January for a potluck celebrating another year of inspiring work !

2011 was full of good work, outreach and shared community. On Saturday, January 28th, we will gather to look back at all we’ve accomplished, recognize folks who’ve contributed in special ways, and look forward to the coming year.

We'll share delicious food and applaud some great folks as they are presented with awards. There will be a fire in the fireplace to keep us warm. The renowned Bullfrogs Chorus will entertain us with some original compositions, and later on some of us will gather around the piano to sing old favorites.

Saturday, January 28th, 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Volunteer Resource Center, 6100 N Central Ave, Chicago 60646

Bring your favorite dish plus serving utensil and beverage to share. Plates, napkins and plasticware will be provided (unless you'd like be green and bring your own :-))

NOTE: There is no oven available, so plan to have a way to keep your dish warm. There are ample electric outlets for crock pots etc.

If you can, please RSVP and let us know you're coming, just to help with planning. This is also where you can ask any questions you might have, and we'll get back to you right away.