By Topf Wells

The DNR firm of Justin, Lloyd & Jarret convened with the Nohr Chapter and SWTU to begin the ecological transformation of Big Spring from the bridge at the big spring to the one at Pine Tree Rd. Currently much of the creek corridor and surrounding land is saturated with willows, making accessing or fishing the creek difficult and issuing a standing invitation to beavers to take up residence. The most prominent feature of that land should be an oak savanna.

The DNR team is planning this work day and long-term project carefully and they were assisted by Ted Swenson of Nohr (the work day was a Nohr event) and our Jim Hess. SWTU was honored to be invited to help on Nohr’s project, especially in the Blue River watershed, the scene of so many Nohr restorations.

There was a total of 17 workers, including SWTU, Nohr Chapter, DNR staff, and one volunteer from the Chicago’s Elliott Donnelly Chapter. Our next three workdays will be closer to Chicago; maybe we can generate some interest.

Sawyers were running brush saws and chainsaws. Cutting willows without treating the stumps is futile. Dedicated sprayers treated 90% of the stumps, which given the heavy cover of goldenrod and reed canary grass was extraordinarily good. The rest of us hauled and stacked to the delight of this winter’s rabbits and perhaps a bear or two. (Some confirmed bear sightings have occurred not far from this site.)

A casual onlooker might question the chance of oaks prospering but we found a surprising and pleasing number of young oaks, now liberated from their willow rivals.

The day went extremely well with about 4 acres cleared and treated. The site is downstream of the upstream bridge. Now you’d have an easy walk to Big Spring as it runs along a steep and heavily wooded bluff. The creek is lovely although small enough to be tough fishing. The hillside is gorgeous and just about to hit peak fall color.

Everyone pitched in to great effect. Carol Murphy, president of Nohr, greeted and thanked us and brought delicious cheese, apples, and summer sausage. With Topf Well’s usual complement of brownies and pork sticks, we did not leave hungry.

Tired, though, for sure. The walking was tough but the brush saws provided good paths in addition to heaps of willow.

Big thanks to all, especially Jim Hess, whose planning is essential to these being fun and safe events. Some box elders were hiding amongst the willows. Jim and Bob Harrison got them all.

Many thanks to Jim Beecher for the photos above. See more (and a few from Jim Hess) below.