Photo Album

The Good.....

The Valley gets a boost from nature.

Oaks are regenerating in Daffodil Valley. Many young oaks were grazed off by horses in the past. Apparently, the root systems remained. When the cleanup of Daffodil Valley began five years ago, they began to resprout.

A stand of smooth penstemon (Penstemon digitalis) appeared in the valley this spring to everyone's suprise. Nature is slowly healing itself, and the restoration efforts underway will speed the process.

Wednesday, June 4, 2003

.....and the Bad

Alien species remain a problem.

Multi-flora rose is a common alien invader of wooded areas. Invasive species crowd out native plants in the absence of fire and other management practices.

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

This stand of Tree of Heaven will continue to spread over the hillside in Daffodil Valley unless it is removed. An eagle scout candidate has proposed to cut and remove the trees. Illinois Raptor Center adult volunteers will then apply a herbicide solution to the stumps to prevent resprouting.

The restoration of the valley will take a gentle approach. Due to the presence of many mature oaks, seedling oaks and some reappearing natives, other natives will likely be restored by burning, cutting brush, interseeding or introducing bare root plants.

Daffodil Valley is just one of several sections of the Illinois Raptor Center's 15 acre property undergoing restoration at this time. On June 4, 2003, a 1.5 acre prairie was planted from seed. Bottomland forest, and upland woodland sections will receive attention this fall. More diary and photo album entries will be added as progress occurs.

More activities are now in the planning stages. If you have questions about this unique partnership, email the Illinois Raptor Center at: barnowl@illinoisraptorcenter.org.