VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Invasive Species Reduction Crew

The Invasive Species Reduction Crew is forming, and we invite you to be a part.  You received an invitation to join the Crew a few days ago, but we need to CHANGE THE DATE, because the date originally set — January 9 — falls within deer gun season.  The new date is January 23, 2020.  Same time, the same place (see below). 

As anyone who has visited the Conservation Farm knows, this Chapter is the fortunate steward of hundreds of acres of native hardwoods and conifers.  But if you have been in our woods, you also know that there are acres of thorny multiflora rose, dense autumn olive and ever-expanding bush honeysuckle.  These plants aren’t native to our woods, and they are increasingly crowding out the native flora. 

With advice from plant biologists, and consistent with the Chapter’s objectives (see Article I of our Bylaws), the ISRC is assembling to set about a hands-on experiment in conservation – one that will involve a great deal of cutting, hacking, sawing, spraying, digging, sweat — and probably some blood. 

It is our hope and expectation that the work of ISRC will result in the re-establishment of native flora and that it will make the woods more accessible to native insects, birds, and fauna.

The ISRC will attack small sections of the Conservation Farm at a time.  The Crew’s first project for 2021 will be to remove dead multiflora rose along the trails in the archery woods.  We will meet on Saturday, January 23 at the archery pavilion at 8:15 a.m.  We will have some cutting equipment, but if you have loppers, hand-trimmers, axe and/or a machete, bring the cutting tool of your choice.  Gloves and rip-resistant outerwear are necessary.  Dress in layers. We’ll have a fire and there will be sausage for lunch. We’re working for conservation, for fun, and for results.  

If you want to participate, visit the sign-up page HERE.  State and County law limits our gathering to no more than 25 – so if you plan to bring any family members with you, please take note of the total number in parenthesis – and make sure to add your family members to the sign-up.