Motorola Community Motorola Community Service EventService Event

October 14th – 9:00AM- Noon & October 14th – 9:00AM- Noon & 12:30PM – 3:30PM12:30PM – 3:30PM

Busse Woods Forest Preserves – Grove Busse Woods Forest Preserves – Grove # 24# 24

Hosted by the Forest Preserve District of Hosted by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) and Friends of Cook County (FPDCC) and Friends of the Parks (FOTP)the Parks (FOTP)

Team Leader Training Team Leader Training OverviewOverview

Mission of the FPDCC Mission of the FPDCC Mission of FOTPMission of FOTP Understanding Restoration Understanding Restoration Project PlanProject Plan Responsibilities of Team LeadersResponsibilities of Team Leaders Safety TrainingSafety Training How to PrepareHow to Prepare QuestionsQuestions

Friends of the ParksFriends of the Parks

Mission: “To preserve, protect, and Mission: “To preserve, protect, and improve Chicago’s parks and forest improve Chicago’s parks and forest preserves for the benefit of all preserves for the benefit of all neighborhoods and citizens. neighborhoods and citizens.

Forest Preserve District Forest Preserve District of Cook Countyof Cook County

Mission: “To acquire, restore and Mission: “To acquire, restore and manage natural forests, prairies and manage natural forests, prairies and other lands to protect and preserve their other lands to protect and preserve their flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, enjoyment and recreation of education, enjoyment and recreation of the public.”the public.”

Forest Preserve District Forest Preserve District of Cook Countyof Cook County In the early 1900’s, visionary In the early 1900’s, visionary

leaders foresaw a time when the leaders foresaw a time when the citizens of Cook County would citizens of Cook County would need to be able to seek refuge need to be able to seek refuge in nature in the midst of a rapidly in nature in the midst of a rapidly expanding urban landscape. expanding urban landscape.

Forest Preserve District of Cook Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) - established County (FPDCC) - established in 1914. Over the past 94 years, in 1914. Over the past 94 years, the District has acquired 68,000 the District has acquired 68,000 acres of land in which people, acres of land in which people, wildlife and native plants find wildlife and native plants find refuge every day. refuge every day.

Understanding Restoration Understanding Restoration

Ecological restoration is defined by the Society Ecological restoration is defined by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) as “an for Ecological Restoration (SER) as “an intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity, and sustainability.health, integrity, and sustainability.

Clewell and Arson (2007): the purpose of Clewell and Arson (2007): the purpose of restoration is to return “an ecosystem to a prior restoration is to return “an ecosystem to a prior state to the extent that the state can be state to the extent that the state can be ascertained and then approximated through ascertained and then approximated through restoration practice.” restoration practice.” 

What Does a Healthy Eco-What Does a Healthy Eco-system Look Like? system Look Like?

In Chicago region: In Chicago region:

Open woodlands, Open woodlands, savannas, prairies, savannas, prairies, wetlandswetlands

Complex web of diverse, Complex web of diverse, interdependent species interdependent species

Natural processes (e.g., Natural processes (e.g., fire & water regimes, fire & water regimes, predator/prey relationships predator/prey relationships sustain cycles of life sustain cycles of life

Illustration by Geoff Lason, Chicago Wilderness Magazine

Why Are Healthy Why Are Healthy Ecosystems So Important?Ecosystems So Important? Education & inspiration:Education & inspiration:

Opportunity to explore science in a living laboratory of complex, dynamic ecosystems Opportunity to explore science in a living laboratory of complex, dynamic ecosystems Diversity of life inspires artistic creativity and technological advances Diversity of life inspires artistic creativity and technological advances

Ethics: Ethics: Our children have the right to enjoy the same natural legacy we inherited. No generation has Our children have the right to enjoy the same natural legacy we inherited. No generation has

the right to destroy the environment and resource on which future generations depend. the right to destroy the environment and resource on which future generations depend. All species have a right to exist. Wildlife depends on native plant communities for food and All species have a right to exist. Wildlife depends on native plant communities for food and

shelter. Thus, native plant communities must be restored so wildlife can continue to exist. shelter. Thus, native plant communities must be restored so wildlife can continue to exist.

Recreation & quality of life:Recreation & quality of life: Healthy ecosystems allow for activities such as hiking, fishing, birding. Healthy ecosystems allow for activities such as hiking, fishing, birding. Our lives would not be as rich if we lost species such as river otters, fireflies, red-tailed hawks, Our lives would not be as rich if we lost species such as river otters, fireflies, red-tailed hawks,

tree frogs, bobcats and the habitats where they live. tree frogs, bobcats and the habitats where they live.

Medical and economic reasons:Medical and economic reasons: Plants & animals could provide us with foods, medicines Plants & animals could provide us with foods, medicines

& other products that will save lives and benefit society& other products that will save lives and benefit society

Ecosystem services:Ecosystem services: Oxygen production, flood control, pollination, erosion Oxygen production, flood control, pollination, erosion

control, pest management.control, pest management.

Threats to Health of Threats to Health of EcosystemsEcosystems Fragmentation of habitatFragmentation of habitat

Interruption of natural processes such Interruption of natural processes such as fire & water regimes, predator/prey as fire & water regimes, predator/prey dynamicsdynamics

Global warmingGlobal warming

Invasive plant and animal species Invasive plant and animal species A recent FPDCC study of the ecological condition of its natural areas A recent FPDCC study of the ecological condition of its natural areas

revealed that 21,000 acres of the District’s holdings revealed that 21,000 acres of the District’s holdings “contain “contain irreplaceable natural communities of significant ecological irreplaceable natural communities of significant ecological importance,”importance,” but that 76% of those irreplaceable communities “show but that 76% of those irreplaceable communities “show signs of significant community decline that portends a loss of native signs of significant community decline that portends a loss of native species” (CW Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1. www.chicagowilderness.org).species” (CW Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1. www.chicagowilderness.org).

Project PlanProject Plan

Workday ScheduleWorkday Schedule Overview of project activities Overview of project activities Team leader responsibilities Team leader responsibilities Roles of the FOTP & FPDCC staff Roles of the FOTP & FPDCC staff

supervisors supervisors

Morning ScheduleMorning Schedule

8:45 AM- Arrival 8:45 AM- Arrival 9:00 AM – Brief overview9:00 AM – Brief overview9:10 AM – Teams depart to work sites9:10 AM – Teams depart to work sites11:45 AM – Teams turn in tools & equipment11:45 AM – Teams turn in tools & equipment12:00 PM – Departure12:00 PM – Departure

*Please note there is no scheduled break. However, team *Please note there is no scheduled break. However, team leaders should leaders should call a short water breakcall a short water break midway midway through the morning. Make sure volunteers stay through the morning. Make sure volunteers stay hydrated and take additional breaks if needed. Water hydrated and take additional breaks if needed. Water will be provided at two First Aid tables. Washrooms will be provided at two First Aid tables. Washrooms are available nearby.are available nearby.

Afternoon ScheduleAfternoon Schedule

12:30 PM – Arrival & Brief overview12:30 PM – Arrival & Brief overview12:45 PM – Teams depart to work sites12:45 PM – Teams depart to work sites 3:15PM – Teams turn in tools & equipment3:15PM – Teams turn in tools & equipment 3:30 PM – Departure3:30 PM – Departure

*Please note there is no scheduled break. However, team *Please note there is no scheduled break. However, team leaders should leaders should call a short water breakcall a short water break midway midway through the morning. Make sure volunteers stay through the morning. Make sure volunteers stay hydrated and take additional breaks if needed. Water hydrated and take additional breaks if needed. Water will be provided at two First Aid tables. Washrooms will be provided at two First Aid tables. Washrooms are available nearby.are available nearby.

Project Plan - ActivitiesProject Plan - Activities

The activities you may be involved with The activities you may be involved with may include: may include:

Litter RemovalLitter RemovalBrush RemovalBrush Removal

Buckthorn Buckthorn

TeaselTeasel

Map of SiteMap of Site

Litter RemovalLitter Removal

This preserve is used by hundreds of visitors per week. This preserve is used by hundreds of visitors per week. We encourage stewardship by reminding preserve We encourage stewardship by reminding preserve users to put litter in its proper place. We need users to put litter in its proper place. We need volunteers to pick up litter from the preserve in the volunteers to pick up litter from the preserve in the groves and in the woods. groves and in the woods. 

We estimate that we will need 3 teams of 10 people to We estimate that we will need 3 teams of 10 people to work in parts of the preserve to help remove litter. work in parts of the preserve to help remove litter. Please remind your crew to be careful when picking up Please remind your crew to be careful when picking up glass or debris. glass or debris.

Leave full bags at the side of the road for later pickup by Leave full bags at the side of the road for later pickup by the FPDCC.the FPDCC.

Brush Removal: Team Leader Brush Removal: Team Leader ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities1.1. Orient your peopleOrient your people

Explain why, how and what your team will be doing. Explain why, how and what your team will be doing. (Refer to slides if necessary.)(Refer to slides if necessary.)

Teach plant identification: Teach plant identification:

Buckthorn Buckthorn

TeaselTeasel

Poison ivyPoison ivy

Wild ParsnipWild Parsnip

Brush Removal: Brush Removal: Let the Sun Shine In!Let the Sun Shine In!PRIMARY TARGET: BUCKTHORNPRIMARY TARGET: BUCKTHORN

Introduced in mid-1800s from Europe for hedgerows & as an Introduced in mid-1800s from Europe for hedgerows & as an ornamental. ornamental.

Lacking any environmental controls to keep its growth in check, it easily Lacking any environmental controls to keep its growth in check, it easily out-competes native species for resources each year – esp. light.  out-competes native species for resources each year – esp. light.  

IdentificationIdentification Leaves: oval, dark green with 3-4 curved veins Leaves: oval, dark green with 3-4 curved veins

reminiscent of a pitchfork; margins serrated or toothed; reminiscent of a pitchfork; margins serrated or toothed; leaf terminates in a slightly curved tip leaf terminates in a slightly curved tip

Bark: dark gray, often silveryBark: dark gray, often silvery

Inner bark: orange Inner bark: orange

Twigs: thorn in every joint where branches fork Twigs: thorn in every joint where branches fork

Growth form: deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow Growth form: deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 25 feet in height up to 25 feet in height

Uses: fruits used medicinally as a catharticUses: fruits used medicinally as a cathartic

Brush Removal: Brush Removal: Part 2 Part 2

Secondary Target: TeaselSecondary Target: Teasel

First introduced to the area in the 1800’s, Teasel is an First introduced to the area in the 1800’s, Teasel is an aggressive plant that can take over prairies and aggressive plant that can take over prairies and savannahs if left uncontrolled.savannahs if left uncontrolled.

Identification:Identification:Teasel is a biennial plant that can reach heights of Teasel is a biennial plant that can reach heights of 6 Feet. 6 Feet.

The flowering plant will have tiny spines covering them and appear rippled. The stems have downward facing spines running along a wood-like stem.

The flowers range from white to purple and occur mainly in early summer. In the fall the teasel flower turns brown

Removal:Removal:

Teams of two should take care to cut just below the Teams of two should take care to cut just below the flower on the stalk. One person should cut and the flower on the stalk. One person should cut and the other person should put the plant material in a other person should put the plant material in a garbage bag. Then the remainder of the plant garbage bag. Then the remainder of the plant should be cut as near to the ground as possible.should be cut as near to the ground as possible.

Harmful PlantsHarmful Plants

Poison Ivy Poison Ivy Shrub or vineShrub or vine Ovate or elliptical compound leaves that are trifoliateOvate or elliptical compound leaves that are trifoliate Margins are entire or shallowly lobedMargins are entire or shallowly lobed Common in open woods and borders of wooded areasCommon in open woods and borders of wooded areas ““Leaves of three, let it be.” It can be a groundcover or a Leaves of three, let it be.” It can be a groundcover or a

vine winding up a tree.vine winding up a tree.

Wild ParsnipWild Parsnip Herbaceous plantHerbaceous plant In July, can stand chest high, with broad umbrella of yellow flowersIn July, can stand chest high, with broad umbrella of yellow flowers In some people, can counteract the skin’s natural sunblocking In some people, can counteract the skin’s natural sunblocking

abilities, leaving burns. abilities, leaving burns.

If you think you’ve come into contact, wash the area with lots If you think you’ve come into contact, wash the area with lots of soap and COLD water within 3 – 4 hours; this reduces the of soap and COLD water within 3 – 4 hours; this reduces the chance of rash occurring. Other potential plant hazards chance of rash occurring. Other potential plant hazards include: thorns, inedible berries, stinging nettles, wild parsnip. include: thorns, inedible berries, stinging nettles, wild parsnip.

2.2. Organize your people Organize your people In each group of ten people, a successful workflow In each group of ten people, a successful workflow

can happen with 3 pods of 3 people each (with the can happen with 3 pods of 3 people each (with the team leader circulating regularly for quality control). team leader circulating regularly for quality control).

Depending on thickness and type of brush to be cut, Depending on thickness and type of brush to be cut, each pod should have:each pod should have: One LopperOne Lopper

One SawyerOne Sawyer

One Consolidator (drags cut brush to brushpile)One Consolidator (drags cut brush to brushpile)

Encourage each pod to rotate tasks among members Encourage each pod to rotate tasks among members or put two people on a saw for thicker trees if or put two people on a saw for thicker trees if necessary.necessary.

Brush Removal: Team Leader Brush Removal: Team Leader ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Brush Removal: Team Leader Brush Removal: Team Leader ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities3.3. Teach plant selection and cutting Teach plant selection and cutting

proceduresprocedures Select shrub/tree to cut. Make sure you’re cutting the Select shrub/tree to cut. Make sure you’re cutting the

right shrub/tree! right shrub/tree! Forest Preserve District volunteers are only authorized to Forest Preserve District volunteers are only authorized to

remove invasive shrubs and trees that are remove invasive shrubs and trees that are no larger than 6”no larger than 6” in in diameter at breast height. diameter at breast height.

FPDCC/FOTP staff crew leaders will mark most trees to be cut FPDCC/FOTP staff crew leaders will mark most trees to be cut with a dot of spray paint.with a dot of spray paint.

If you run out of marked trees, check with FPD or FOTP staff If you run out of marked trees, check with FPD or FOTP staff person to confirm target trees.person to confirm target trees.

If you’re not sure about a tree, DON’T cut it. Move on to another If you’re not sure about a tree, DON’T cut it. Move on to another target until you can check w/ FPD or FOTP staff person for target until you can check w/ FPD or FOTP staff person for confirmation. confirmation.

4.4. Teach tool selection & use.Teach tool selection & use.

THE LOPPER “RULE OF THUMB”:THE LOPPER “RULE OF THUMB”:

For saplings and re-sprouts whose diameter is For saplings and re-sprouts whose diameter is thumb-size or smaller – use loppers. You may very thumb-size or smaller – use loppers. You may very well be able to muscle the loppers through larger well be able to muscle the loppers through larger saplings, but the force can actually break the saplings, but the force can actually break the loppers. loppers.

For stems and trunks larger For stems and trunks larger than your thumb (but smaller than your thumb (but smaller than 6” diameter) – use bow than 6” diameter) – use bow saw. saw. 

Loppers

Bow saw

Brush Removal: Team Leader Brush Removal: Team Leader ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Brush Removal: Team Leader Brush Removal: Team Leader ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities5.5. Safety training: Demonstrate how to saw and lop Safety training: Demonstrate how to saw and lop

SAFELY.SAFELY. For All: For All: always wear glovesalways wear gloves when using tools or handling brush. when using tools or handling brush.

Always walk with Always walk with blades pointing downblades pointing down. .

For Loppers: cut For Loppers: cut FLAT and EVEN WITH THE GROUNDFLAT and EVEN WITH THE GROUND. . Do not Do not cut at an anglecut at an angle; if someone trips, they could fall on essentially a ; if someone trips, they could fall on essentially a sharpened stake. Instead, with the lopper handles sharpened stake. Instead, with the lopper handles parallel to the parallel to the groundground, make your cut as flat as possible. , make your cut as flat as possible.

For Sawyers: cut For Sawyers: cut FLAT and as EVEN WITH THE GROUND as FLAT and as EVEN WITH THE GROUND as possiblepossible. OR, if the tree seems unwieldy, FIRST cut at waist . OR, if the tree seems unwieldy, FIRST cut at waist height to get the top off, then cut trunk down to the ground. height to get the top off, then cut trunk down to the ground.

Brush Removal: Team Leader Brush Removal: Team Leader ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities6.6. More on sawing and lopping SAFELY.More on sawing and lopping SAFELY.

More for SAWYERS: More for SAWYERS: Plan your cut carefullyPlan your cut carefully. If you’re cutting . If you’re cutting down a shrub or tree as tall or taller than you:down a shrub or tree as tall or taller than you:

1st: Determine which way the tree is likely to fall. Don’t just look at the angle of 1st: Determine which way the tree is likely to fall. Don’t just look at the angle of the trunk – also look up at the branches and estimate which side of the top of the trunk – also look up at the branches and estimate which side of the top of the tree is carrying the most weight. the tree is carrying the most weight. 

22ndnd: Begin cutting on the side of the trunk that is : Begin cutting on the side of the trunk that is oppositeopposite of the side the tree of the side the tree will be falling toward. Use will be falling toward. Use LONG, SMOOTH STROKES. LONG, SMOOTH STROKES.

Always Always stop sawing halfway through the trunkstop sawing halfway through the trunk, look around, ask everyone , look around, ask everyone working nearby to step way back, and then resume cutting. working nearby to step way back, and then resume cutting.

Slow the saw downSlow the saw down as you get to the last ¾ of the trunk and start to hear as you get to the last ¾ of the trunk and start to hear cracking sounds. This allows the pressure to release gradually. Proceed cracking sounds. This allows the pressure to release gradually. Proceed slowly, especially if there’s any chance that the tree might lean on another tree slowly, especially if there’s any chance that the tree might lean on another tree as it falls, because the cut end could shoot back toward you. Be ready to step as it falls, because the cut end could shoot back toward you. Be ready to step away quickly.  away quickly.  

Yes, declare victory and shout TIMBER. But then, Yes, declare victory and shout TIMBER. But then, cut up your shrub/tree into cut up your shrub/tree into lengths of 8’ or lesslengths of 8’ or less and drag to brushpile. and drag to brushpile.

What do I do in case of an What do I do in case of an Emergency?Emergency? Participants should alert their Team Leader, who will alert their FOTP/FPDCC Participants should alert their Team Leader, who will alert their FOTP/FPDCC

staff liaison.staff liaison.

Basic first aid kits will be available throughout the Busse Woods work area for Basic first aid kits will be available throughout the Busse Woods work area for treating minor injuries.treating minor injuries.

FPDCC & FOTP staff will have emergency telephone numbers on hand and FPDCC & FOTP staff will have emergency telephone numbers on hand and plan for making emergency notifications as necessary. Such contacts include plan for making emergency notifications as necessary. Such contacts include the Police (call 911), fire departments, local hospital, poison control centers, the Police (call 911), fire departments, local hospital, poison control centers, nearest Nature Center, Volunteer Resources Contacts, etcetera.nearest Nature Center, Volunteer Resources Contacts, etcetera.

In medical emergencies arrangements should be made to give CPR and to In medical emergencies arrangements should be made to give CPR and to transport the victim to the hospital if necessary. Evaluate whether or not the transport the victim to the hospital if necessary. Evaluate whether or not the victim can or should be moved. In some cases (e.g. neck injury) it may be victim can or should be moved. In some cases (e.g. neck injury) it may be prudent to send someone for help, or to guide emergency personnel to the prudent to send someone for help, or to guide emergency personnel to the scene, while a caregiver remains with the victim.scene, while a caregiver remains with the victim.

Volunteers are encouraged to alert staff to any health issues. This will aid in Volunteers are encouraged to alert staff to any health issues. This will aid in proper communication in the event of a medical emergency. proper communication in the event of a medical emergency. 

Volunteers should ensure to drink a sufficient amount of water during the Volunteers should ensure to drink a sufficient amount of water during the workday and to stay hydrated. Carrying of high-energy snacks is also workday and to stay hydrated. Carrying of high-energy snacks is also encouraged. Crew leaders should ensure periodic group breaks for rest and encouraged. Crew leaders should ensure periodic group breaks for rest and hydration.hydration.

How to Prepare?How to Prepare?What do I wear? Dress for success!What do I wear? Dress for success! To help guard against injuries from tools, vegetation, sunburn, etcetera To help guard against injuries from tools, vegetation, sunburn, etcetera

wear wear long sleeves and long pantslong sleeves and long pants of substantial material. Volunteers of substantial material. Volunteers should guard against loose clothing or dangling jewelry which could be should guard against loose clothing or dangling jewelry which could be caught on trees, snags or in tools.caught on trees, snags or in tools.

Work boots, or other enclosed and substantial foot wearWork boots, or other enclosed and substantial foot wear should be should be worn. Consider wearing footwear that supports the ankle and that will worn. Consider wearing footwear that supports the ankle and that will protect from punctures, water, and will be breathable. protect from punctures, water, and will be breathable. 

Sturdy work glovesSturdy work gloves should be worn anytime tools or brush are being should be worn anytime tools or brush are being handled. Please bring your own gloves. (We will also have some onsite.)handled. Please bring your own gloves. (We will also have some onsite.)

A A hathat is helpful for shielding the head from sun, sunburn, and some minor is helpful for shielding the head from sun, sunburn, and some minor hazards. Be aware that hats with visors can create blind spots in vision. hazards. Be aware that hats with visors can create blind spots in vision. 

What do I bring? What do I bring? Review and/or bring along team leader instructions. Review and/or bring along team leader instructions.

Questions?Questions?