The Park District has launched a new Conservation Work Parties series, tackling the creeping scourge of ivy and other invasive species.

Second Saturdays monthly, volunteers will visit a different park and bring down nuisance vines, uproot Scotch broom, and perform other ecological restoration. 

The conservation events are being held in partnership with Weed Warriors, a longstanding advocacy and action group that brings expertise on spurge laurel and other lesser-known problem weeds. 

“People are coming because they’re interested in learning more, and applying it to their own properties,” the Park District’s Morgan Houk says. “It’s a learning opportunity as much as a ‘get out and know your parks and volunteer’ opportunity.” 

Conservation Work Parties mark a welcome return — and expansion — of volunteer activity in island parks, after a year lost to the pandemic. 

The district’s popular monthly Trails Work Parties are […]