Invasive Plant Removal

Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting place: We will meet up at the park’s Activity Center which is located on Fort Dupont Drive, SE off Randle Circle, SE. Fort Dupont Park is located in Southeast Washington, D.C., east of the Anacostia River. Click here to view map

Workday description: AWS invasive removals usually employ hand-pulling, cutting (with hand pruners and cutting saws) and pulling using tools i.e. pitchforks. In summertime we usually control species like Japanese Stilt Grass, Mile-a-minute, Multiflora Rose, Porcelain-berry, Oriental Bittersweet, Tree of heaven, Chinese Wisteria, English Ivy and Bush Honeysuckle. Our invasive plant removal outings have an educative approach; volunteers usually have an introductory talk by one of the park rangers about the history of the park and other interesting facts. AWS staff will talk about some aspects of the natural history of the park and will sure point out interesting native plants and animals. Also, AWS staff will make sure you have a completely safe and enjoyable outdoor experience by briefing volunteers about basic safety measures regarding poison ivy, deerticks and yellow jackets (wasps).

Bring: We strongly recommend the use of light-colored apparel (it’ll be easier to spot ticks!), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, long socks (to tuck your pants in), and closed-toe shoes (hiking or waterproof). This helps minimize skin exposure to poison ivy and ticks, which are found in the park. We recommend bringing along a repellant designed to repel both deer ticks and mosquitoes. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and potassium rich foods and beverages to avoid dehydration. AWS will provide gloves, tools and other supplies to get the job done. If you are one those amateur naturalists don’t hesitate to bring your bird and wildflower field guides and enjoy one of the best urban forest parks in the nation!
Click here to review our Volunteer Safety Guidelines

Note: People highly allergic to poison ivy should think carefully before entering any wooded or weedy area in the Mid-Atlantic. Poison ivy is commonly found in the park. The same goes for the yellow jacket wasps which are common in late summer so if you are allergic to wasp or bee stings bring appropriate medication recommended by your physician.