Romeoville Hosting 1st Ever O'Hara Woods Community Day Saturday

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Romeoville residents can help clear invasive plant species and learn more about the benefits of a healthy forest ecosystem Saturday at the first ever O'Hara Woods Community Day.

The community day will happen from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at O'Hara Woods Nature Preserve, 524 Belmont Dr. Being hosted by the Village of Romeoville and The Conservation Foundation, the event will allow residents to care for the forest preserve while learning more about its benefits.

Volunteers are sought to forest restoration project, which will seek to cut invasive brush out of the woods to open up the view and allow more sunlight for native plants. No experience is necessary, and protective gear like gloves and eyewear will be given out on site.

Other events planned for the day are intended to be more educational. Those include guided walks through the park that will show how nature can be beneficial to personal health. Walks will leave from the park's pavilion at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

There will also be a "conservation at home" program, which will show homeowners how to create a functional and environmentally friendly home and landscape. A rain barrel will be raffled off at 11:30 a.m. Games and family activities will also show where rainwater goes, and how it can impact communities.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. For more information on the event, click here.