HELP REMOVE BUCKTHORN TO RECLAIM NATURAL BEAUTY
Buckthorn is one of the most invasive non-native plants in our local prairies, woodlands, and yards. It shades and crowds out native plants, creating a dense, dull monoculture with barren erosive soil beneath. Fall is the best time to target the plant for removal. Join the work parties to help us restore the habitat along the Peebles Trail. The 2011 schedule is as follows: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. every day.
Dates TBD
Meet by the trail bridge east of Prairie road. If late, walk east down the trail to find the group. Bring gardening gloves, and if available, some loppers and a dandelion fork. No experience is necessary. Cancelled in the event of rain. For more information, call 922-7931 or email dbeck7931@charter.net
Volunteer Work Days - Kiekhaefer Park
Dates TBD
Trail maintenance
Ski Trail maintenance
Control invasive species - buckthorn removal
Volunteers are encouraged to sign up. Send email to webmaster@kiekhaeferpark.org
PEEBLES
TRAIL BUCKTHORN REMOVAL VOLUNTEER
PROJECT
SPONSORED BY FOND DU LAC COUNTY AUDUBON SOCIETY
Help Needed to Remove Buckthorn on
Peebles Trail
Many
citizens enjoy hiking, biking and skiing on the
Peebles Trail located in the northeastern area of the
city and township. Unfortunately this natural corridor
is becoming choked with buckthorn. In an effort to
remove this invasive species, the Fond du Lac County
Audubon Society is sponsoring a number of volunteer
work sessions in late October and November.
This is the best time of the year to remove and
eradicate the plant.
Buckthorn was brought to this country from
Germany in the 19th century. The small tree/shrub
makes a good hedge and the berries have a laxative
effect. Over the years, the berries have been spread by
the birds and now buckthorn can be found all over
our city and county. The problem comes from a lack
of natural controls such as insects that might eat it,
and results in thick infestations that crowd out native
species.
All those interested in helping should meet at
the Peebles Trail bridge just east of Prairie Road.
Depending on what kind of work you would like to
do, please bring work gloves, kneeling pad, dandelion
fork, hand saw, chain saw, or loppers. There are small
trees to pull out by hand, others that can be levered
out roots and all, branches and brush that need to be
cut, and larger trees that need to be chain sawed and
herbicide applied. Some equipment will be available
as well as herbicide.
An effort was made to offer a variety of times.
Work
Sessions
To Be
Determined
POSSIBLE TASK CHOICES
1. Chain saw or hand saw
larger buckthorn trees.
2. Use loppers for clearing and breaking down brush.
3. Levering out small trees using the extractagator.
4. Hand pulling baby trees. ( A kneeling pad and dandelion
fork are handy)
5. Treating larger stumps with herbicide or covering with
tin cans.
POSSIBLE ITEMS TO BRING FOR PREFERRED
TASK:
Work gloves, kneeling pad, dandelion
fork, hand saw, chain saw, loppers, and tin cans. Herbicide
and the extractagator will be supplied.
THANKS FOR HELPING TO IMPROVE THE PEEBLES
TRAIL HABITAT!
Kiekhaefer
Park
Wanted:
Continuing prairie management volunteers for Kiekhaefer
Park prairie
more information -
Earl Jewett, Town of Taycheedah Parks and Recreation
923-2604
An
Easier and Greener Fall Cleanup
Keep
nutrients in the soil. Mulch grass clippings back
into the lawn as you mow. Leaves can be left on garden
beds to form a natural mulch and enrich the soil
as they decompose. Fallen leaves can remain on the
lawn provided that they are chopped into small pieces
with a mulching mower. Thatch buildup does not
occur where the soil has healthy micro and macroorganisms.
If there are too many leaves, some could be
composted with grass clippings.
Leave an area in your yard for leaf litter. Many birds
that are ground feeders hunt through leaf litter for
insects. Brush piles create winter habitat for small
animals and insects. Lay down a layer of loosely
stacked and angled branches and then cover with
plant stalks and leaves. Leave as many standing plant
stalks as possible for winter habitat and food for birds.
Volunteering
for the Gottfried Arboretum
For
more information about volunteering, contact Erika Jensen
by phone at 920-324-5329 or by e-mail at
erikajen@sbcglobal.net.
Benefits
of Volunteering
The benefits of volunteering are numerous. Your hard work
means that the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum will
continue to be a wonderful place for area residents to
recreate and learn. The Arboretum is a great place to share
your talents and skills with the local community.
Volunteer
Positions
Currently, the Arboretum is seeking volunteers for the
following positions:
Arboretum
Committee
The Arboretum Committee oversees the activities and
maintenance of the Gottfried Arboretum. People with good
ideas, plenty of energy, and connections to the Fond du Lac
community are encouraged to apply.
Grounds
Maintenance
Maintaining the prairie and formal arboretum is one of the
most important volunteer jobs. Volunteers can help in one
or more of the following areas:
|
|
•
Invasive Weed Control
• Brush Cutting • Prairie Burn |
•
Trash Clean up
• Monitor Bird Nesting Boxes |
Prairie Fest Volunteers
Prairie Fest is an event in late July that celebrates our native plants heritage at the Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum. A run/walk event, performers, demonstrations and walks are a part of the event. We need volunteers to help with:
|
|
•
Set up/Clean up
• Staff Tables • Run/Walk Coordinator |
•
Publicity
• Prairie Fest Committee Member |
Office Assistant
Assistance is occasionally needed with office work for the Arboretum. Data entry, mailings, copying, and poster design are some of the possible tasks.
Outreach Volunteers
The Gottfried Prairei and Arboretum would like to improve its visibility in the Fond du Lac area. We seek skilled volunteers for the following tasks:
|
|
•
PowerPoint presentations
• Events Photographer • Class Teacher/Prairie Walks |
Volunteers
help to rid the prairie of alien weed
species.