“It’s a forest of invasives!” the Earth Force team exclaimed about the state of local natural areas, so they sprang into action. First, they studied plants to help them distinguish between desirable native species and the invader plants which take over by squeezing out and threatening the native species. They sought out the advice of John Munru and his assistants at Ithan Valley Park on vine and invasives removal. With teacher Jon Savitch, they led forays where, among other things, they learned how easy garlic mustard was to pull out. On one outing they weighed 30 pounds of garlic mustard removed but realized much of the weed still remained.
Previously, an invasive burning bush plant had been dug up and, as it was dragged away, it dropped its seeds, causing new burning bushes to later sprout up. Consulting with John Fryberger, Waterloo Mills Preserve manager, on how to share their newfound knowledge, the group came up with the idea to create an educational brochure for placement in an onsite kiosk, describing not only the invasives but also the proper techniques and timing for removing them. According to group members Vivian Chen and Doreen Chang, the group also decided to put signage along Skunk Hollow trail pointing out native and invasive plants. They checked out buying signs but ran into shipping hassles and unwanted expenses so now are making the signs themselves! They have routed the common and Latin names in wooden boards and are now painting the invasives in red and the natives in green.
Only half-jokingly, Chen suggests an invasive weed anger management program. “You take out your anger in pulling out privet because it takes a lot of energy!”