News Briefs: Goats return to Glencoe; Grant goes toward Highland Park tree plantings; Wilmette Theatre to host Irish movie weekend

They’re “baaaa”ck.

A herd of goats will be returning to Glencoe’s Milton Park from Sept. 23-27 to manage invasive species.

The Glencoe Park District said that the goats graze, helping to naturally manage the invasive species in Milton Park, as they did earlier this year.

For a week in May, about 30 goats grazed in the park, effectively removing understory vegetation, including buckthorn, and offering “an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides and manual labor,” the district says.

The return of the goats is crucial as invasive plants are difficult to eradicate, and grazing by the goats will help to damage the invasive species and facilitate the growth of native and beneficial plants.

Visitors are welcome to observe the goats but the park district advises residents not to touch or feed the animals and that dogs could frighten the goats and be kept away from the area.

Grant will fund 150 trees for Fink Park

The Park District of Highland Park has received a county grant to plant 150 trees at Larry Fink Memorial Park, according to a release from the park district.

The trees are being donated by the Lake County Tree Initiative and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The plan aims to increase tree coverage in urban areas and help the local climate change mitigation targets.

The district says the trees include swamp white oak, bur oak, river birch, Kentucky coffee tree, eastern redbud and hackberry. They reportedly will be planted in October by Superior Enterprises.

“The Park District is grateful to be chosen for this valuable Lake County Tree Planting Program grant,” said Liz Ricketts, the district’s natural areas manager, in the release ” … This program aligns with the district’s ongoing efforts in tree health, specifically in expanding the varieties of species found at Fink Park. The benefits of the new trees include wildlife habitat, stormwater management, heat reduction, beauty, and so much more.”

The park district will work with Lake County staff during site preparation and tree plantings, the release says.

The Lake County Tree Initiative also aims to promote urban forestry preservation and help the community become more aware of the benefits that trees provide to the environment and society.

“The County’s Tree Planting Program will positively update our county by enhancing the tree canopy coverage and diversity countywide,” said Robin Grooms, sustainability program Manager at Lake County. “By working together towards a common goal through our partnership, Lake County and the Park District of Highland Park are creating a more sustainable and vibrant future.”

Irish movie festival set for Wilmette Theatre

The Wilmette Theatre is set to host the 10th Annual Irish American Movie Hooley this year from Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29. The event is the only Irish American film festival in the world, according to a media release.

The event is presented by Hibernian Media, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Irish culture.

Tickets for each film are $12 and can be purchased online as well as at the on-site box office.

This year’s festival will showcase three films. The opening film on Friday, Sept. 27, is “Sins of Ireland,” written and directed by Alex Fegan, who reportedly will attend the festival.

Up next is the film “Kneecap,” written and directed by Rich Peppiatt, which will be screened on Saturday night, Sept. 28. Actress Jessica Reynolds, who plays Georgia in the film, will be in attendance.

“Kneecap” is often in the Irish language with English sub-titles and celebrates the funny side of Irish rebellion with this coda, “Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet for Irish freedom.”

Rita Davern’s evocative documentary film, “Stories I Didn’t Know,” will finish the series on Sunday, Sept. 29. The film follows a woman back to her family’s history in Ireland.

For more information on the Irish American Movie Hooley, please visit the official website.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.