Although James Mullen, his crew of 23 Scouts or volunteers, and employees of The Care of Trees had never worked together before, they soon determined they were all industrious workers and have the removed buckthorn to prove it!

James Mullen of Lake Zurich Boy Scout Troop 964, as part of his Eagle project, originally planned to clear approximately one quarter acre of invasive buckthorn. Through the generosity of The Care of Trees, however, James and his volunteers doubled that amount. Having a local office in Deer Park and learning of the project through the Leave No Child Inside initiative, The Care of Trees donated the expertise of John Kelly, Gumersindo Hernandez and Martine Jarmillo plus hand held tools, a wood chipper, and a truck to haul the shredded buckthorn. James appreciatively notes that “The Care of Trees did a great job. It wouldn't have been possible without them.” Once The Care of Tree’s truck was filled, James led his group of volunteers spreading the chips on the walking paths at the centennial Vehe Farm in Deer Park. By cutting the invasive buckthorn the area is now open for prairie restoration.

While the arduous work of the buckthorn removal was taking place, James guided additional scouts who were restoring a late 1800 to early 1900 farmer’s hay rake. Scouts and volunteers cleaned, sanded, primed, and painted the antique. The hay rake is one of the remaining original artifacts on display near the restored prairie at historic Vehe Farm.

James explains that his Eagle project of removing invasive plants and restoring the hay rake will benefit the community in several ways: “Removing non-native plants that choke out native ones will provide visitors who use the walking trails the opportunity to enjoy the prairie as it originally appeared before this area was farmed. Children in particular will enjoy the chance to discover our wilderness such as prairies and to explore nature in our neighborhood as stated in the Leave No Child Inside Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.” James offers a special thank you to John Kelly, The Care of Trees for their generous contributions, and to all the volunteers who made this part of his Eagle Project a success.

To learn more about the Leave No Child Inside initiative, please visit www.funoutside.org. Contact your child’s school for information about available scouting programs.