Saturday June 22: invasive species management

Please join us on Saturday June 22 from 10am-12pm to attack invasive species that have started to make themselves known, even in this cool wet start to the summer, like goat’s beard, cheatgrass, pepperweed, and bladder campion! Co-steward Jen Raber will lead this family friendly workday and we encourage you to bring friends, family, and neighbors.

Please RSVP for the workday here. Questions? Contact co-steward Jen Raber (jennifer.raber@gmail.com) directly with questions about June’s workday

Remember to prepare for the weather and uneven, sandy terrain: sun protection, sturdy shoes, long pants, bug repellent, and water are always recommended. Tools, equipment, and snacks will be provided. (See directions below and here.)

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In other RBD news, high lake levels continue to make RBD slightly different every time I visit this spring. Here’s a video of some wave action from just the other day!

In addition to the dynamic shoreline, you’ll find other new sights: a newly installed bikerack (!!!), so you can feel comfortable riding your bike to the nature area AND locking it up safely.

 

 

Also, both of the tree swallow nest boxes are filled with … nests! I advise you not to get too close so you don’t disturb the protective parents and their precious offspring-to-be.

 
 
 
The native prickly pear cactuses aren’t blooming yet, but you can find many of the larger plants just on the cusp with their buds ready to burst over the next weeks.

 
 
 

Finally, We’re grateful to all our volunteers, and especially the Honeycomb Project for bringing enthusiastic families to the wetland planting on a beautiful day in May. Check out some photos from this fun event. Nearly all our stewardship events at RBD are family-friendly so we hope to see you all again!

 

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Mark your calendars and RSVP now! This makes it easier for us to plan, and to contact you if any changes arise.
Remaining 2019 workdays:

• June 22 2019, 10am-12pm: Community stewardship workday – Invasive species management
• August 17 2019, 10am-12pm: Community stewardship workday – Invasive species management
• October 21 2019, 7-9am and 9-11am *note the different times* : Special Event! Chicago Ornithological Society birdwalk 7-9 am +; RBD workday 9-11am

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Rainbow Beach Park runs parallel to South Shore Drive from 75th-79th Streets.

• By foot, or from the #6 bus stop, walk east from South Shore Dr. on 77th St.
• By car, you can only access the park at the southern end, from Hwy 41 at Farragut.
  • From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.
  • From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.
  • Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.
• Go to the far right corner of the parking lot farthest from the field house at the entrance to the Nature Area. Meet at the banner!
• Find directions and a map here.

From the north/west, follow Hwy 41 east as it splits from South Shore Drive at 79th St. Turn left into the park at Farragut.

From the south, follow Hwy 41 north and turn right on Farragut, just before the intersection of 79th/South Shore.

Once in the park, go past the stop sign and water filtration plant and turn right at the next opportunity, into the parking lot before the Fieldhouse.