The Ancient Oaks Foundation has been partnering with the Village of Lake Zurich on several habitat restoration projects around Lake Zurich and we want residents to know about this. We added a sign to each of these areas, directing folks to our website where they can get a bit more information.
Here’s the sign at the Community Services wetland, which is changing before our eyes.
Community Service Wetland Project
Last year this weltand was filled with Phragmies, the tall plumed invasive reed. Under the direction of Mike Brown, Public Works Manager, the area is being transformed. It is filling in with a nice wetland sedge, Carex comosa, which will take the place of the phragmites. It’s seeds will provide food for visiting birds.
Here’s Carex comosa up close. It is a more lime green color than the errant phragmites resprout to its left. The remaining phragmites resprouts will be herbicided later in the season.
We also find a delightful set of black eyed Susans. During the first year of restoration, plants are putting down roots more than stems or blossoms so we dont expect to see too many interesting things. We are happy to see these lovely natives…