It's not enough to just cut buckthorn, an herbicide (such as Roundup or Garlon 4) must be applied directly to the stumps to prevent regrowth. It's best to cut the buckthorn and apply the herbicide immediately anytime from summer through winter. In the spring the sap will push out the herbicide, rendering it ineffective. The herbicide will quickly degrade after being applied. More information can be found here.

Invasives aliens are plants or animals that have come from locations outside of northeastern Illinois. Most introduced species are not a problem, but a few, like buckthorn and garlic mustard, have found northern Illinois particularly amenable and have spread out of control. Without their natural predators and without some features - particularly fire - for which our native species are adapted, these invasives are able to crowd out our native plant communities. The National Park Service pages on Weeds Gone Wild provide helpful information on common invasive weeds.

Our floating islands (produced by Floating Island International) have been getting press again as the Invention Nation "Dirt Rules" episode has been re-aired on the Science Channel (available on DirecTV among others). CFC's islands are doing well. We've had some in operation since 2006, with full vegetation growing on them, and have even been used as nesting sites by ducks and our returning sandhill cranes. The turtles use them as a safe site for warming. Come out on a Saturday morning for a workday, and see them for yourself.