Volunteers Needed for New Invasive Species Control Program at Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville, MD

Two workdays this week: Thursday, June 24 (8am to 11am) and Saturday, June 26 (8am to 11am)

Register to volunteer here: https://srlt.secure.force.com/default/CnP_PaaS_EVT__ExternalRegistrationPage?event_id=a2g1I000000OsPGQA0

Scenic Rivers Land Trust is excited to announce the launch of our new Invasive Species Control Program at Bacon Ridge Natural Area in Crownsville, MD.

Scenic Rivers staff are gathering for weekly workdays with small groups of volunteers to remove invasive plant species along the trails of Bacon Ridge Natural Area. The work will continue each Thursday throughout the summer, ending in late August/early September, with several Saturday workdays scheduled as well.

Invasive plant species, such as Japanese stiltgrass, wavyleaf basketgrass, and oriental bittersweet, can be incredibly damaging to forest ecosystems. Humans, their equipment, and pets can inadvertently spread seeds along trail systems.

Scenic Rivers and the Maryland Environmental Trust cohold a conservation easement on 630 acres of Bacon Ridge Natural Area. The easement is in place to permanently protect the forest ecosystem, among several other natural resources. We are excited to have received grant funding from the Chaney Enterprises Foundation and the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County to assist Anne Arundel County in maintaining the rich biodiversity of Bacon Ridge Natural Area.

HOW TO HELP

Scenic Rivers is seeking volunteers to assist us in our weekly workdays which will be held on Thursday mornings from 8am to 11am, as well as on several Saturdays (June 12, June 26, July 10 and July 24).

Volunteers will be working on designated trail sections to remove specified invasive plant species. The particular species we’ll be focusing on include Japanese stiltgrass, wavyleaf basketgrass, oriental bittersweet, Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, autumn olive, and Japanese barberry.

Volunteers will be trained in how to identify and remove these plant species.

To participate, volunteers must:

  • Be 16 years or older;
  • Bring their own work gloves. Sturdy, leather work gloves are recommended; and
  • Be able to hike up to 2 miles to get to designated work areas.

Volunteers may sign up for as many weekly workdays as they are available. Teams and group signups are encouraged! Saturday workdays can be arranged if there is enough interest.

Register to volunteer here: https://srlt.secure.force.com/default/CnP_PaaS_EVT__ExternalRegistrationPage?event_id=a2g1I000000OsPGQA0

Controlling invasive species infestations is a big job and we’ll be happy to have as much help as possible!

If you have questions about the Invasive Species Control Program, contact Stewardship Coordinator Lindsay Smith at Lindsay@SRLT.org.