Additional Information about Tikkun Olam

Fr: Lillian Dean, Coordinator
Healthy Lawns & Gardens, SOCWA (SE Oakland Co. Water Authority)
Douglas Evans Nature Preserve Environmental Education Project

Re: PROGRAM AT DOUGLAS EVANS NATURE PRESERVE, BEVERLY HILLS
Sunday, October 14; 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Thank you for your interest in the Douglas Evans Nature Preserve, located along the Rouge River/Green Corridor in Beverly Hills (Evergreen Rd. between 13 Mile and 14 Mile Rd., west side). Our volunteer environmental education committee is delighted to host your group and we appreciate your interest in "making a difference" for the environment.

The Nature Preserve includes a prairie meadow, planted on top of stormwater retention basin…as well as a woodland area. We will host your group in the open prairie meadow section of the Preserve. The area is "glorious" in October because the tallgrass prairie grasses are tall - creating an environment that sometimes feels like "Little House on the Prairie" - type of country. It is amazing that the preserve is in the middle of an urban section of Oakland County with 100,000 people living within 10 miles!

An introduction/orientation will be provided by our leaders for the day, Howard Knorr and Stephanie Patil. Two activities will be offered to participants - youth and adults. (Participants can choose their activity when they arrive on October 14):

1. Native grass seed collection and planting. Grass seed will be collected in paper bags and "planted" at designated spots. We can provide all of the materials and a demonstration. (We want MORE prairie grasses in some areas that have none.)

2. Digging of small buckthorn trees. Common buckthorn is an invasive species and problem plant in the prairie meadow and along the woodland edge. Small seedlings can be dug up from the ground with a shove. We will have about 10 shovels - but it would be helpful if your group brought their own shovels as well. Orientation will be provided to this group. This is hard work, but very important ecologically for the prairie meadow.

Please provide us with a list of the number of participants and their ages by October 5th. A "general" idea of the interest in native grass seed collective vs. buckthorn tree digging will help us with materials.

Participants should dress for the weather. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with soles are required. (Tennis shoes are o.k., but should be "old shoes." Long pants, long sleeve shirts, and work gloves are recommended. Fleece and other "fuzzy" jackets that "catch" seeds should be avoided.

There are no bathrooms on the site available for our use. You should also bring your own water.

There is a gravel driveway that leads from Evergreen Road to the utility building on the interior of the Preserve. Normally, access is blocked by a metal gate. The gate will be open on Oct. 14 so cars can easily drive in and park.

In the event of serious rain, the event will be cancelled with the rain date possibility off Sunday, October 28. If there is a "light mist", we can proceed with a nature walk at the prairie meadow - if your group has waterproof jackets. There is an "overhang" at the utility building where we can stand out of the wind, if necessary.

You are welcome to visit the Douglas Evans Nature Preserve on your own BEFORE October 14 to see the site and get a feel for the landscape.