Speaker: Ken Klick, Lake County Forest Preserve

Birds of a feather should NOT flock together in buckthorn.
 
Buckthorn covers more ground in northeastern Illinois than any other woody plant-- oak trees don’t come close!  Buckthorn’s presence reduces plant and animal diversity by out-competing native species, causing long-lasting damage to the soil, and degrading the habitat quality for nearly all native species. Buckthorn’s dense thickets shade the ground from sunlight, making regeneration of oak trees, flowers, and grasses practically impossible.  Ken’s program will focus on the impacts of invasive buckthorn on Lake County’s migratory and breeding bird populations and the forest preserve’s efforts to control this invasive plant while improving bird habitat. 

Ken is a consummate naturalist, whose life-long interest (and career) touches upon all aspects of natural area management and the protection of its interconnecting web of plants, animals, geology, climate, and people.   For 30 years Ken has been the project lead on thousands of acres of prairie, woodland, and wetland restoration projects throughout Lake County Forest Preserves’ 31,000 wonderful acres.  

Join us in person at Cook Library.  If you are unable to attend in person, join via ZOOM