Bill Hoss attacking the invasive bush honeysuckle during the spring honeysuckle sweep
In an effort to energize the greater St. Louis region around improving habitat for our native plants and animals, area conservation organizations join together to spotlight invasive bush honeysuckle and the need to remove it so that large swaths of land can become productive areas for native habitat, recreation, and enjoyment. To that end, organizations will host public events and volunteer removal days during Honeysuckle Sweep Week.
The goals are to raise public awareness about the need for bush honeysuckle removal, highlight the importance of replanting with native plants, and remove bush honeysuckle.
There are several events happening around the area. We are highlighting two here and hope you are able to help!
Volunteers at Mallard Lake
Photo courtesy of Mitch Leachman
Mallard Lake Project: Invasive honeysuckle removal
Friday, November 4, 2016
Creve Coeur Park
We previously highlighted the Mallard Lake project and this is the last volunteer event of the season. Bring your favorite lopper or saw. We will meet in the south lot at the Lakehouse, 2160 Creve Coeur Mill Road, St. Louis, MO 63146 (map).
Registration is requested.
Please provide your:
- Name
- Contact information
- Number attending
to Mitch Leachman at mitch@stlouisaudubon.org or call (314) 599-7390.
Registration: Starts at 8:30 a.m.
Project begins: at 9:00 a.m.
Length: All events are half-day.
Items provided: Gloves and other supplies/materials
Who can attend: All ages are welcome, but those under 18 must have parental/adult supervision at all times.
Forest Park Forever: Honeysuckle removal
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Forest Park
WHY: Honeysuckle, and other invasive plant species, negatively impact native Missouri flora. Volunteers help manage honeysuckle by cutting the vegetation and treating the stems with a dyed chemical, glyphosate, to kill the root system. This year, volunteers will also help start preparations for the Kennedy Forest Restoration Project by removing understory material and cleaning up trash and debris.
WHO: This Park Project Day is appropriate for individuals, small volunteer groups, and families with children over the age of 12. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times.
TO WEAR: Volunteers should bring work gloves and wear weather-appropriate attire that you don’t mind getting dirty, including long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy closed-toe shoes with socks to help prevent exposure to poison ivy.
FPF WILL PROVIDE: Forest Park Forever will provide beverages, snacks, and an assortment of gloves, hand tools (volunteers may bring and use their own tools — no power equipment) and required safety equipment.
Visit the Forest Park Forever website for more information. RSVP no later than Monday, October 31.
Have questions? Please contact Anne at agrossmann@forestparkforever.org or call 314.561.3286.
