Tree removal not bad for Sleepy Hollow

Those critical of the tree removal on the Jelkes Creek Bird Sanctuary should be encouraged to have a little patience and foresight as to the final results. Although it is very upsetting to see trees come down and our views altered, the trees that were recently removed were not old growth oaks and hickories planted by Mother Nature.

Before Elmhurst Chicago Stone mining, the land was horse pasture and some crop land. It was open with a beautiful view of the Sleepy Hollow ridgeline to the west. A berm was made from removed topsoil and trees planted on top to screen a gravel mining operation.

It's also important to understand that not all birds live in trees. Those that require grasslands are the fastest declining species in Illinois. The Bird Conservation Network (bcnbirds.org) monitoring at the restoration on the Sleepy Hollow Road portion revealed that meadow larks and bobolinks and many grassland sparrows have already begun to return.

So please, take heart and understand that the disturbance of the site is temporary. It will get better and healthier for birds and humans as time goes by.

Pat Glen

Dundee Township