A New Steward Tells What Worked For Her

Ecology is science - pure facts. But conservation mixes science, sociology, politics, and human strengths and weaknesses. Locally, and globally, many components must thrive for success. 

The letter below speaks volumes. It was written by Carol Goolsby, a new steward at the new Friends initiative at the Joliet Park District's impressive Pilcher Park Nature Preserve.

Friends, 

 

I had long been looking for a “group” or a “thing” where I felt like I belonged. In this case, showing up cost me nothing and there were no expectations made of me that ever felt pushy or preachy.  Some groups I’ve been a part of end up wanting to sell you something or use guilt/shame as a motivator. Not my style. 

 

Matt really inspired me right from the beginning. From his candor, articulation, and knowledge I was able to absorb things and then literally watch as the world shifted. Things I had been looking at for 40 years I never truly saw until that moment. Example- FREAKING BUCKTHORN is! everywhere! 

 

Proud achievers - showing off their Chicago Wilderness burn crew training certificates

So the initial hook was reaaaally great. Warmth, openness, informal. 

 

Very low barriers to entry/access. I liked that I didn’t need any prior knowledge or experience. 

 

The group’s aim is one of positivity but not exclusivity. You don’t have to be “all or nothing” and there is no judgement on people – political, religious, or otherwise. 

 

A HUGE draw for me was having lived in Joliet for 40 years and FINALLY not hearing a random group of people just talk shit about it. People love talking shit about Joliet. And then to learn JUST how special Pilcher is - just blew my damn mind!! Strong hook there! 

 

All of you!! Thanks for making it so easy. Everyone is kind and genuine, and that can seem in short supply with how plugged in we all are now. I cannot even remember the last time I was in one space with this large a group and everyone is HAPPY. 

 

Opportunity!! This one is HUGE for me … I got all these certificates and now know so much more than I ever knew less than a year ago. Everything else nowadays is a paid subscription, and you’re just giving knowledge away for free. 99 ?! Sign me up! 

 

I get to set stuff on fire.. and not get arrested!!! 

 

I’m learning how to identify plants in real time with real people. We get all excited and crowd around stuff on the forest floor. That’s just so cool. So yeah, this is so much better compared to abject brain rot induced by endless doom scrolling. 

 

Physical activity that doesn’t require $$$$$. It feels good to chop shit down!!  (Sidenote: why is everything so expensive?? Nature is the best Gym!) 

 

And lastly, but definitely not leastly, Tori’s baked goods. Enough said 😊🤣

 

My sincerest gratitude for including me ♥️✌️🤘🪚🪚🪚🪚🪚🔥

 

Thanks to Carol for this great summary of how the Friends try to welcome people who'd like to learn, work, and sometimes lead.

Thanks also to Carol for sending these photos to help tell the story: 

Tori and Carol, newly trained with their (quiet) electric chain-sawyers. 
Not everyone wants to do everything. The team needs brush slayers, seed gatherers, weed controllers, rare plant and animals monitors. As in so many contexts, "It takes a village." 

Proud victors over brush - which is now turned to ash by the bonfire!
Photo by Eriko Kojima

We don't always stay put. When the Friends needed help to burn Superior Street Prairie in Calumet City, some of us rose to the occasion. 

And after hard work, we allow ourselves some luxury; here's sample of the kinds of treats Tori and others sometimes bring. We enjoy. 
(OPRP = Old Plank Road Prairie - celebrating 25 years as a protected Nature Preserve)

The selfie-taker is Stone Hansard, a Friends Field Rep. Staff is always ready to pitch in, but trained volunteers are empowered to take leadership when ready.

And there are hundreds of important, needy sites that deserve this kind of help. You interested?

For more about the Friends, click here. How much can we accomplish? With which sites, which partner organizations, which challenges, which strategies should we invest the most of our time. The answers will come from the generous people doing the work and thereby making the decisions. 

For examples of recent "victories" check out these posts on:

Illinois Beach Dunes, Savanna, and Prairie 

Superior Street Prairie

Field Seminars - one way we learn what we need to be effective

From Dan Delaney - what he learned in eighteen months

A Friendly Victory on Pollinators as "both sides" Win

Discovering Oak Ecosystems history and theory

Burn at Shaw Prairie