Volunteers Use Scythes to Restore Biodiversity at Somme Prairie Nature Preserve

On Saturday, motorists driving past Somme Prairie Nature Preserve in Northbrook could be forgiven for thinking they had traveled back in time. Around 30 volunteers gathered at the preserve with scythes in hand. They were participating in a ‘Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves’ event to cut down invasive plants.

The volunteers gathered on July 18 to tackle species like the sawtooth sunflower and tall goldenrod. Rebeccah Hartz, a restoration volunteer and assistant director of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves, explained the importance of using scythes. “Scythes are really effective for cutting very low to the ground and very precisely,” Hartz noted. Volunteers aimed to reduce invasive plants that threaten biodiversity at the site.

The day’s effort sought to restore habitat for the eared false foxglove, a rare and endangered prairie plant. Volunteer Ali Fakhari of Highland Park expressed his appreciation for the foxglove, calling it a “really great plant.”

Volunteers met at 5 p.m. and worked for over two hours before enjoying a potluck supper. Stephen Packard, a regular volunteer and conservationist, emphasized the arduous process of establishing a prairie. “This was all woods,” Packard said, referring to the previous state of the land dominated by invasive buckthorn. Though progress is slow, he remains hopeful, citing the commitment of volunteers.

Michael Uhlemann tried scything for the first time alongside his brother Will, who humorously noted the tool’s association with the Grim Reaper. However, Will emphasized the positive aspects of working in nature with like-minded individuals. John Jacobs of Evanston echoed this sentiment, praising the scythe as a valuable tool for such restoration work.

Volunteers like Mick Dart and Jordan Botezatu highlighted the personal benefits of the experience. Botezatu stated, “That’s why I keep coming — because it’s healing me just as much as I am helping it.” The event provided an opportunity for community members to connect and work towards a common goal.

During the potluck, Christos Economou reflected on the day’s activities. “It’s rare that you get to really participate in something that’s positive for the environment,” he said. Economou found satisfaction in the restoration efforts, likening them to ‘playing offense’ in the battle for the environment.