Volunteers Use Scythes to Restore Somme Prairie in Northbrook
On Saturday, motorists passing by Somme Prairie Nature Preserve in Northbrook might have felt like they had stepped back in time. Volunteers, armed with handheld scythes, were busy working within the prairie. Nearly 30 individuals gathered for a Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves event aimed at cutting down invasive plants. This effort took place along Dundee Road in the late afternoon of July 18.
Weather conditions were favorable for the activity. What started as dangerous air quality from Canadian wildfires had improved to a moderate level by shortly after 6 p.m., making it manageable for those up to the task. The focus of the day was on removing sawtooth sunflower and tall goldenrod, explained Rebeccah Hartz, a restoration volunteer and assistant director of Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves. She noted, unlike woody buckthorn, these species are best managed with a scythe. ‘Scythes are highly effective for cutting low and with precision,’ she explained.
Volunteers arrived from across northern Illinois, assembling in front of the Northbrook Post Office adjacent to the preserve before heading into the field. Stephen Packard, a longtime restoration volunteer and conservationist from Northbrook, emphasized the importance of their ongoing work in combatting invading species that threaten biodiversity. Their ultimate goal is to create conditions where endangered prairie plants, such as the eared false foxglove, can flourish.
Among the participants, volunteer Ali Fakhari from Highland Park highlighted the significance of restoring such rare species. While working, volunteers encountered remnants of past efforts as they navigated around dead buckthorn stumps. Packard described how the area used to be overrun by buckthorn, stating it has taken a lot of work for the prairie to re-establish itself.
Packard expressed eagerness for faster progress, noting, ‘I want it to go faster.’ However, he praised the dedication of both the volunteers and the forest preserve staff. He acknowledged the traditional scythe as an unusual sight for local gardeners, yet emphasized its effectiveness for this work.
Participants like Imogene Asa from Logan Square, Michael Uhlemann, and his brother Will from Glenview shared their thoughts about the experience. Will jokingly referenced its association with the Grim Reaper but acknowledged the joy of being among fellow nature enthusiasts. John Jacobs from Evanston expressed his fondness for the old-fashioned tool, remarking that the scythe is the best method for this type of restoration work.
Highland Park’s Mick Dart noted the benefits for mental and physical well-being, while volunteer Jordan Botezatu mentioned the mutual healing between people and nature during these sessions. David Duncan, another volunteer from Ravenswood, focused on tackling sweet clover, another invasive species present in the area.
As the event wound down, volunteers shared a potluck meal. Christos Economou from Wilmette expressed his appreciation for the chance to actively contribute to environmental restoration. He described the restoration efforts as a proactive, optimistic act, akin to playing offense in a game.