Austin Gardens Woodland Habitat

Austin Gardens Woodland Habitat. . , Woodland Area Management , Maintaining the balance of this woodland ecosystem, with an emphasis on preserving native species, is the goal of the park district. This woodland area has changed drastically since the settlement of the Village of Oak Park. Invasive species were introduced and had the opportunity to grow and change the native ecosystem. Today, the park district uses selective pruning, weed control and prescribed fires as a necessary part of maintaining this habitat. The importance of a healthy woodland is essential because this habitat is home to a large diversity of animals, trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, fungi and birds. , , Controlling Invasive Species , Many Illinois woodlands are being devastated by invasive plants, like Common Buckthorn and Honeysuckle, that are taking over these habitats. Invasive plants out-compete native plants for resources and pollinators and alter the ecology of natural areas. Eradicating non-native and invasive plants from the woodlands is an important part of maintenance. Planting diverse, native plants encourages the balance of biodiversity needed for wildlife. The more diversity an area can support the healthier the habitat is considered to be. , , Prescribed Fires , All native plant communities of northeastern Illinois, wetland, woodland, savanna, and prairie, require fire to remain healthy. Historically these ecosystems burned due to anthropogenic (human caused) and natural (lightning) reasons. In the absence of fire, these communities lose their balance and become unhealthy. Many invasive species did not evolve with regular fire. As a result, prescribed fire is one tool for controlling these unwelcome species. Prescribed fires recycle organic nutrients back to the soils, promote oak regeneration stimulate the growth of native plants and control the growth of invasive weeds. The park dirt annually employs prescribed burns in specific locations to restore these ecosystems. , ,

The Austin Family bequeathed the estate to the Park District of Oak Park on the condition that it remains a public park bearing the family name. , A Trust for Austin Gardens is held by the Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation with the proceeds used for extraordinary maintenance and recreation activities.