As the area surrounding the Spring Creek Forest Preserve becomes filled with buildings and parking lots, it is imperative to educate the people who move into the area and work in these new buildings. We need to explain about the huge difference between our preserve and a city park.
A preserve is left as natural as possible – fallen trees are left in place to decay and become the food source for insects and grubs, which in turn are essential food for our birds and other wildlife. The undergrowth of small trees and plants is not cleared out because it provides essential food, shelter and plant diversity.
Knowing that the creek corridor is home for bobcats, coyotes, owls, raccoon and many other creatures is exciting. The prairie is not a football or soccer field. It is home to scores of grasses and wildflowers such as the native milkweed plants that Monarch butterflies require in order to continue their life cycle.
The society should work to help our new neighbors understand that a healthy preserve does not look like a city park. A healthy preserve is wild-looking, messy, tangled with roots and native vines, and alive with bees, butterflies and animals hiding until it is safe to come out in the dark to hunt for food.
The society serves as caretakers of the preserve. Please help keep it beautiful by carrying a sack so you can pick up trash while you walk the nature trails. Additionally, help people understand that the preserve is an environmental treasure rather than a site for recreation.
Membership – please join the group and then renew membership annually. A membership form is available at: www.springcreekforest.org.
Check the website for meeting dates, times and location.
Contact Barbara Baynham, the president of the organization, for more information by calling 972-495-3569.