- Max Trip Size: 50 people
Help remove buckthorn from one of the nicest natural plant communities remaining at Murphy-Hanrehan Park (SW of Buck Hill), as determined by the Three Rivers Park District. Last year, this woodlot was personally adopted in an effort to conserve its quality status by removing buckthorn. A couple days before the event, Three Rivers Park District field crew will cut buckthorn trees and larger saplings. On October 12, we will make piles of the cuttings, and pull smaller stems and seedlings in the more heavily infested areas. The event will start at 10am and end no later than 1pm. The woodlot, about 2-3 acres, is diverse with the core area on a moderately dry ridge dominated by white and red oak, and big-toothed aspen. Sloping from the ridge on one side to Murphy Lake and the other to a more moist soil forest, the dominance seems to more greatly incorporate green ash, black cherry, basswood, and American elm. To date, many species have been identified, on or adjacent to the woodlot, including over 70 species of plants, nearly 60 species of birds, eight mammals, six amphibians, three reptiles, 17 invertebrates, and several mushrooms—and continuing.
The meeting location will be at the Horse Camp Trail Access parking lot—a big, gravel lot (no fee is needed to park there unless you ride a horse).
Directions to the parking lot:
1. travel on I35 south past Buck Hill to exit 86 (to County Road 46 and before Fleet Farm);
2. at the end of the exit turn right on CO 46 (aka 160th Street);
3. travel west for 0.5 mile to the first stoplight and continue west on what now is Klamath Trail for 0.8 mile and turn right on 168th street, across the railroad tracks;
4. travel 1 mile (168th becomes Judicial Road) and turn right on 170th street west;
5. travel 0.8 mile to the Access parking lot which is on your LEFT.
Let me know if you are coming so we can watch for you. From the parking lot we will walk about 0.5 mile on a trail, a game trail, and then through the woods. Be sure to bring boots, gloves, clothing you need for walking through brush, hat, water—this is a real outdoor experience.
Buckthorn Removal Details:
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Volunteers work in wooded areas with uneven terrain and use different methods of removal such as loppers, hand saws, and hand work via pulling younger plants
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.Removal sites are off trail and/or may be in remote areas of the park. Therefore, volunteers must arrive on time or early at the designated meeting location.
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The group is then led to removal sites.Volunteers must come prepared for the weather and bring something to drink (and snacks, if desired). Water and restroom facilities are NOT on site and will require a hike back to the parking area.
- Training, equipment, and spare gloves are provided at the start of each session, but it is recommended to bring your own preferred work gloves.
- Dress to get dirty and wear comfortable, sturdy closed-toe shoes (no sandals) with long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Be aware that poison ivy, ticks, mosquitoes, hornets, etc. may be found. Use bug spray, learn to identify and avoid poison ivy and check after walking through vegetation.