Fall Volunteer Events & Invasive Species Removal

Fall is a great time to tackle woody invasive plants, as they are preparing for dormancy and most susceptible to systemic herbicide applications.

We regularly participate in, and lead habitat improvement projects in the Central Ohio area, and this year we were pleased to make some substantial headway!

In September we had a crew at Hoff Woods (Westerville) working with volunteers to remove honeysuckle and a crew in Genoa Township working a community fishing event. We had several volunteers and cleared about 2-3 acres of the invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). Thanks to all who came out out to participate!

In October, Jenny, Alexys, Cody, and Mark worked alongside Friends of Alum Creek and Tributaries, and many community volunteers at Boyer Nature Preserve. They removed honeysuckle, callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). This event occurs every year in celebration of Make a Difference Day. We thank all that came out to see us and MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our community!

Our team was also happy to assist the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (ONAPA) at Cedar Bog. They helped clear woody vegetation (…yes, even native) for the preservation of the state and federally listed eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). This snake requires open wet meadows and prairies with sparse shrub cover. Too much cover, and the snakes will seek other habitat, which is not all that easy to come by nowadays. If you’re not familiar with Cedar Bog, it’s…ahem…a fen…and is bursting with biodiversity. The unique hydrology and geology of this area make it home to many rare species in Ohio and the US. You’re bound to see a botanical wonder regardless of the season. Cody captured the picture (below) of the breathtaking fringed gentian (Gentianopsis virgata), which is one of our latest blooming and uncommon wildflowers.