The Forest's Edge

Emerald Ash Borer

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:02:00 +0000

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive pest from Asia that is devastating the population of ash trees in the United States. In Michigan alone, over 20 million trees have died from it since its discovery in 2002. It is now in Illinois. It will continue to spread and will remain a permanent member of our insect population. Ash trees do not have natural defenses to the Emerald Ash Borer; trees of all sizes and conditions have been killed.

How did it get here? It appears to have come to America from cargo crates originating in Asia. Since then, it has moved around the country by its natural spread and people moving trees and firewood from one area to another. Once it is in a community, it can move one mile or more a year.

The insect larvae feed on the xylem of a tree, disrupting the movement of water and nutrients in it. Early symptoms are hard to diagnose. Often the first signs are dieback at the top of the tree. Trees may be infested for several years before symptoms are visible in the canopy. Another indication that your tree has been infested, are D-shaped exit holes on the trunk and branches.

Even with the difficulties presented by the Emerald Ash Borer, there are things you can do to protect your trees. First, take steps to improve the health of the trees. This includes mulching around the trees, fertilizing, watering, etc. Next, there are systemic pesticides that protect the xylem of the tree. When the insect eats the pesticide, it will stop feeding and die. Prevention is the best defense against Emerald Ash Borer. You will need to treat your trees each year to maintain protection. Best results occur after the 2nd year of treatment. Maintaining tree health and a preventative application before the tree is significantly challenged by the Emerald Ash Borer is your best chance of keeping your Ash trees for years to come.

For help with your trees or more information, contact Horticultural Consultants.
Phone (630) 336=4905 email horticarl@yahoo.com.

My Facebook Fan Page

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:56:00 +0000

I have started a facebook fan page. Let me know what you think.

Homecoming Celebration at St. James Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:13:00 +0000

Bring the family for a celebration of one forest preserve’s heritage at the Homecoming Celebration at St. James this Saturday, May 29, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The celebration features horse and riding demonstrations, hay-wagon rides, interpretive tours, children’s activities, recreation stations, a fine-art fair, live music, food and more. Admission is free. Fees for some activities. St. James Farm Forest Preserve is located on Winfield Road, one-quarter mile north of Butterfield Road, in Warrenville. For more information click this link.

Commissioner Roger Kotecki and I (Commissioner Carl Schultz) will perform at 3:30 - 4:00 on the music stage at the East Barn. Here is the music lineup.Ask Again Later High School Rock Band, 11 a.m. Almost Brothers Band — a tribute to the Allman Brothers and Southern rock, Noon Mark Adamczyk — guitar melodies of folk tunes and classical works, 1 p.m. Julie Kaylin — country cover and adult contemporary tunes, 2 p.m. Roger Kotecki and Carl Schultz — Forest Preserve District of DuPage County commissioners, 3:30 p.m. Ainsworth Rose — Jamaican one-man band, 4 p.m.

This is a fun event. The weatherman says it will be a beautiful day. See you there!

Moving Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:30:00 +0000

Just to follow-up on the Greene Farm Barn...

'On April 20, the Board of Commissioners voted to allocate funds towards stabilizing the barn, including other upgrades to facilitate the barn’s public use for complete renovation when additional funds become available in the future.'

Restoring A Dream - The Greene Farm Barn

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:37:00 +0000

The Tribune has an article today about the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's efforts to restore and reuse the Greene Farm Barn in the Greene Valley FP. Bill Greene had originally sold most of his farm to the District in the early 70's at a below market price, because he had wanted it to be preserved as open space for the people in DuPage County. Bill Greene was one of the founding members of the Conservation Foundation. He only sold the land around the house and barn for the full value, so he could set up a trust fund to help maintain it. His intent (that he had included in the paperwork when he deeded the land to the District) was for the buildings to be used for historical, educational, recreational and cultural activities for the people of DuPage County.

Portions of the barn are pre-Civil War. A walk through the barn is a walk throught the history of barn building. At the one end, the beams are put together with mortise and tenon. At the other end, they used steel rods and nails. Many of the stones in foundation was taken from the quarry (Centenial Beach) in Naperville. They paid for the stones by cutting ice in the winter and selling it around town. It took two years to get enough stones for the work. My guess is that the older beams were acorns when George Washington was a boy.

Bill Greene was a Man of Vision. He gave us a marvelous gift. Let's make Bill's dream come true!

Last Few Days To Take The Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:01:00 +0000

Saturday, March 27 is the last day to take the Greene Farm Barn Adaptive Re-Use Survey. We want to know your zip, what you would recommend for improvements to the barn, and any general comments you might have. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Congratulations

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Congratulations to those elected as officers for the Naperville Township Republican Organizations.
Chairman - Rachel Ossyra
Vice-Chairman - Matt Carlyle
Recording Secretary - Randy Given
Corresponding Secretary - Paul Santucci
Treasurer - Jim Healy

On The Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:07:00 +0000

I will be on WJJG radio, 1530 on your am dial tomorrow, Saturday, February 20 from 2 pm to 3 pm. Listen in and call if you have questions. Items to talk about include the St. James Farm Forest Preserve, the Greene Farm Barn, general landscaping, politics, and more.

Shop at Whole Foods Market on April 22

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:49:00 +0000

This is a flyer I received that I thought I would pass along.

Earth Day April 22
Whole Foods Market 5% Day for DuPage Forest Preserves

Grab your shopping list, and get ready to support conservation, education and recreation in DuPage County! On Thursday, April 22, 2010, the four Whole Foods Market locations listed below will donate 5 percent of the day’s net sales to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Fund at The DuPage Community Foundation. The Forest Preserve District manages over 25,000 acres, 140 miles of trails, 60 forest preserves and five education centers for the citizens of DuPage County.

500 E. Ogden Ave. • Hinsdale • 630.986.8500
with proceeds supporting Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook
2607 W. 75th Street • Naperville • 630.579.7700
with proceeds supporting Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville
151 Rice Lake Square • Wheaton • 630.588.1500
with proceeds supporting St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville
201 63rd Street • Willowbrook • 630.655.5000
with proceeds supporting Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook
Happy shopping, and thanks for your support!

Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:37:00 +0000

An open house will be held at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County HQ for the public to review the preliminary plans for the Greene Farm Barn. Learn about the potential renovations for the structure as a multipurpose space. To RSVP to the event click here.

Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Forest Preserve District HQ
Street: 3 S 580 Naperville Rd
City/Town: Wheaton, IL

Republican Primary

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:03:00 +0000

Tuesday, February 2nd is the Primary Election. Please take the time to go to the polls and vote. Below are the recommendations that I had on my Committeeman's Letter.

U.S. Senator – Mark Kirk Governor – Kirk Dillard
Lt. Governor – Jason Plummer Comptroller – Judy Baar Topinka
County Chairman – Debra Olson County Board – John Zediker
Sheriff – John Zaruba
2nd Appellate Justice (Callum vacancy) – Ann Jorgensen
2nd Appellate Justice (G-J vacancy) – Mary Schostok
18th Judicial (Killander vacancy) – Brian R. McKillip

Naperville Township Republicans Endorsements

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:40:00 +0000

The Naperville Township Republican Organization held an endorsement meeting today. Endorsements were only made in contested races. The following candidates received NTRO's endorsement (A majority of the voting members).

U.S. Senate - Mark Kirk
Governor - Bob Schillerstrom
Lt. Governor - Jason Plummer
County Board Dist. 5 - John Zediker
County Sheriff - John Zaruba
Appelate Judge 2nd Dist. - Ann Jorgensen
and Mary Schostok
18th District Judge ( Kilander vacancy) - Brian R. McKillip

Another Award For Springbrook Prairie FP

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:06:00 +0000

This Thursday, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County will receive another award for Springbrook Prairie FP. This time we will be receiving an award from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness at the annual Conservation and Native Landscaping Award Ceremony.

I sent a letter to the editor

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Hopefully, they will print it. I added a photo so you can see what we were doing. Here is the LTTE...

After reading the story ‘Local forest preserve project wins award’, I thought it worthwhile to tell more of the story.

The Spring Brook Meander Project provides a healthier habitat for aquatic life, but it also improved the habitat for plants and animals outside of the stream. For example, the invasive trees shaded out plants on the ground, reducing the quality of the habitat and increasing erosion. Removing the trees allowed those areas to improve. It also connected two large grassland areas that will have an ongoing benefit for wildlife.

This habitat improvement is more than a feel good story for my nature loving friends. Other benefits include improved water quality and increased water infiltration, which recharges the shallow aquifer; something that will come in handy if we experience the water shortages predicted with continued development. This project also added significant storm-water detention for the community at no additional cost to the taxpayer. How is that for efficient government?

This was a shining example of public bodies partnering for a better outcome. We were able to piggyback on the City of Naperville adding a turn lane at Book and 83rd (with contributions from Naperville Township and the Naperville Park District). That allowed us to keep costs down going under Book Rd. We, in turn, provided wetland mitigation for the City.

Naperville North and Central High Schools have taken advantage of the live lab that contributed to us winning this award. The data we receive from the schools help us at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County do a better job.

Carl Schultz
Forest Preserve Commissioner

Tax Levy and Habitat Improvement

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:48:00 +0000

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Commission discussed the next tax levy. We are planning to keep the tax rate flat. In fact, a $270,000 home will end up spending $0.36 less than in the past levy. We also recently approved a restructuring of some of our outstanding bonds that will abate additional taxes. We will know for sure how much that number is after we sell the new bonds at a lower rate than the current bonds.

Other business we addressed today is a Habitat Improvement Project at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Our backup material noted that "Ecologically this area is very important; floral and faunal surveys have found 355 native plant species and 90 wildlife species, including one state endangered, six species in greatest need of conservation in Illinois, and 16 species of special concern regionally." It is amazing how quickly these areas rebound with restoration efforts.

St. James Farm Master Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:08:00 +0000

Many people ask me what is going on at St. James Farm. Well, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has posted our first take on a Master Plan and are soliciting your Comments. Here is a photo exhibit for you to see what it is like.

Danada Fall Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Come to the Danada Fall Festival Sunday, October 11. Fun for the whole family!

NTRO Fall Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 03:50:00 +0000

NTRO Fall Brunch Fundraiser!
Guest speaker: Michael Zak

"Michael Zak is a popular speaker around the nation. His message is that Republicans would benefit tremendously from appreciating the heritage of our Grand Old Party."

Naperville Township Republican Organization
Price: $65.00
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Meson Sabika
1025 Aurora Avenue
Naperville, IL
Map

To reserve you spot at the brunch, please give me a call at 630-336-4905.

Please Join Horticultural Consultants

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:26:00 +0000

If you are on facebook, please join Horticultural Consultants group. I have a great sale on some extra plants for group members.

House 4 Sale Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:54:00 +0000

For those of you that wanted to see it, here is a virtual tour of my house.

House For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:32:00 +0000

I haven't posted for quite a while because I have been getting my house ready for selling it this summer. We should have it listed this week. It has a new efficient furnace/AC, new doors, new windows, new carpeting...

Feel free to contact me if you are interested (or if you know of someone that might be).

The 35 Cent Club

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Sun, 10 May 2009 04:07:00 +0000

"The 35 Cent Club" is a fundraiser to help support the Naper Settlement. The next event is Wednesday, May 20th. I will be one of the guest bartenders. Come on out and help support Naper Settlement.

Notable guest bartenders include:
Carl Schultz, Commissioner - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Robert J. Schillerstrom - DuPage County Board Chairman
Joseph Birkett - DuPage County State's Attorney
Jim Healy - DuPage County Board Member
John Zediker - DuPage County Board Member
D. "Dewey" Pierotti Jr. President - Forest Preserve District of Dupage County

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Pre-Emption House Tavern - Naper Settlement
Street: 523 S. Webster Street
City/Town: Naperville, IL

And The Winners Are...

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:48:00 +0000

Gary Vician - Supervisor
Warren Dixon - Assessor
Stan Wojtasiak - Highway Commissioner
Carol Bertulis - Clerk
Esin Busche - Trustee
Fred Spitzzeri - Trustee
David Wentz - Trustee
May Yurgaitis - Trustee

Republicans take all of the Naperville Township offices.

Elect Naperville Township Republicans

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Today is the start of early voting for the April 7th Consolidated Elections. I would like to encourage you to vote for the Republicans running for each of the Naperville Township offices. Here is their website: http://www.gop4napervilletownship.com/

Gary Vician - Supervisor
Warren Dixon - Assessor
Stan Wojtasiak - Highway Commissioner
Carol Bertulis - Clerk
Esin Busche - Trustee
Fred Spitzzeri - Trustee
David Wentz - Trustee
May Yurgaitis - Trustee

noreply@blogger.com (Carl) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:09:00 +0000

For those that are interested, the Chicago Tribune has an online poll to log your vote as to whether Illinois should have a special election. Click on the link below to give your opinion.

Chicago Tribune Special Election Online Poll

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-special-election-vote,0,4043885.poll