The posted coordinates will bring you to a parking lot that is part of an eight acre parcel of land which contains 5 acres of mixed hardwood woodlands as designated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Plan 02 07 56 2029.
Spring is often associated with ramps, rain, flowers and frogs, but in the woods at Living Waters Lutheran Church, the season of rebirth is focused on protecting our woods from garlic mustard.
Garlic mustard is a non-native invasive plant first brought to America by European settlers in the 1800s. They enjoyed eating it because of its zesty garlic-like flavor. They just had no idea that this plant would become one of the biggest threats to the diversity of plants and animals found in our forests. We’ll pull garlic mustard throughout the day.
If pulling garlic mustard is not your thing we have other activities.
- Help spread mulch along trails and prayer labyrinth.
- Spread native flower seeds
- Pick up trash
- Cut down invasives
- Prep the raised garden
- Move deadwood to the brush pile
- Cut down trees (Topher_LV, I have your strap from last year's CITO)
Feel free to bring rakes, shovels, wheel barrows, pruning shears, chainsaws, etc.
We will provide water, coffee ,and doughnuts.
What?
We will be working in conjunction with church members picking up trash, removing invasive plants, cutting up fallen trees, and collecting downed wood for chipping at a later date.
Who?
Geocachers, newbies, oldies, all experience levels invited! This is a family friendly CITO event, so children are welcome to attend, but please keep an eye on the youngsters for their safety. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash.
When?
9 am -1 pm, Saturday, May 11, 2024.
Where?
We have permission to meet in the parking lot of Living Waters Lutheran Church,(posted coordinates). The church building will be open and restrooms available throughout the day.
Why?
To “clean up our playing field” as they say.
Good to Know: Trash bags, litter pickers, and gloves are available!
The Taco Chicas food truck will be on site for lunch!
Please dress appropriately and bring your own gloves if desired. A “Will attend” log is appreciated to facilitate planning of the event. Wear long pants and boots. Make sure you're warm enough.
You are encouraged to bring your own garden tools such as rakes or loppers, or pruning shears, as there aren’t many tools onsite.
If you are proficient with a chainsaw please bring it to help cut up trees that have fallen since last year.
If you have any questions on the event, please contact CLSS.
Finally, here’s a recipe for Garlic Mustard Pesto
This simple recipe brings out the mildly garlic flavors of this wild invasive herb. Great with pasta or as a salsa for meat or fish. Use the light green tips, not the dark green bottom leaves which are bitter. Adapted from preparation by Roger Ma, Restaurant Daniel.
Ingredients
11 cups lightly packed garlic mustard leaves and tips, loosely chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts
1-2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 squeezes lemon juice
Directions
1, In a blender, grind the garlic, pine nuts and parmesan.
2. Add the garlic mustard.
3. While blending, pour in a steady stream of the olive oil until smooth.
4. Add salt, sugar, lemon juice and pulse until mixed.