Tree Seed Collection/Invasive Plant Removal
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Magruder Park, Hyattsville, MD.
We will meet up at the parking lot past the Hamilton Pool (on 3901 Hamilton Street) right by the sports fields. From Queens Chapel Road take Hamilton Street, go by the Safeway on the right, pass 38th street, go about one block and turn right into the park. Magruder Park is Metro accessible; from the West Hyattsville Metro station on the Green Line walk a 10 block walk to Magruder Park or take the bus F8 to Cheverly Station and get off at the bus stop between 38th Av. and Hamilton St., walk one block and turn right into the park.
For more information about Metro access: http://www.wmata.com/
For more information about the F8 Metrobus line: http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/md/f8.pdf
Growing Native -- Get Nuts for Clean Water!
Besides fighting back invasive plant invaders like we normally do, on this day we will also be collecting tree seeds that will later be used for reforestation and restoration in and out of the watershed in Maryland. This is part of the Growing Native program (http://www.growingnative.org/pcgn_about.html) of the Potomac Conservancy where volunteers of all ages and backgrounds participate in collecting native tree seeds across the Potomac River watershed. Most of this program's tree seedlings are used to restore streamside forests, which are key to maintain and improve water quality and providing wildlife habitat. We will be collecting acorns, walnuts and other seeds from native tree species.
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, deer ticks 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!
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.
