Brats To Sizzle At Orland Grassland Brush Burn, Cleanup Event

ORLAND PARK, IL — Volunteers soon will help with seasonal brush clearing, with a tasty reward when they're done. Helpers will clear small shrubs and trees at Orland Grassland, burning large brush piles to clear the debris—while brats sizzle over the piles.

On Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon, the Orland Grassland Volunteers will celebrate the winter brush clearing season with their annual Brats and Burn event. Meetup is on the west side of the site on 104th and Old Farm Road Trail at old 175th Street. Parking is in the subdivisions across the street.

It’s just in time for Valentine's Day, which means in addition to brats sizzling on the burning brush pile, green peppers and onions steaming, foil-wrapped potatoes tossed in the hot coals, there will be—of course—chocolate.

"Winter clearing is the very important first step in a sequential restoration strategy", said Pat Hayes, volunteer Site Steward for Orland Grassland Land and Water Reserve, a Forest Preserves of Cook County site. "Before we can get the soil ready to receive native wildflower and grass seeds, the aggressive shrubs and trees not associated with a prairie landscape must go."

Using loppers and bow saws for this work, volunteers hand-cut the shrubs and small trees and burn the cuttings in large brush piles to remove the debris. The prairie habitat is lost when woodies like callery pear and other invasive trees, autumn olive, honeysuckle and buckthorn shrubs take over, Hayes said.

Once it's all removed, the seeds will follow and the grassland birds, butterflies, bees, dragonflies, snakes and mammals will follow them. A flourishing and vibrant prairie ecosystem is on its way.

"We love this time of year," said Bill Fath, volunteer steward. "It's invigorating for the body and spirit. We enjoy the exercise in nature in the cold of winter, knowing that we are launching another sequence of events that will bring life back to the grassland.

The Orland Grassland Volunteers will provide the tools, work gloves, guidance and the refreshments. Plan to wear clothes suitable for the weather, sturdy shoes and socks that cover the ankles for working in natural terrain.

If the event is cancelled due to weather, notice will be placed on their website. Also find information about the work the volunteers do at this site.

The activity is recommended for adults, singles, couples and groups. Minors aged eight to 18 can participate as part of a sponsored group. To RSVP or get more information, contact Pat Hayes at 708-220-9596 or ptihys@yahoo.com, or visit the Orland Grassland Volunteers website.