Polk County Conservation
Help restore Iowa’s Woodland habitat by removing harmful invasive species to promote the growth of native trees, grasses, and wildflowers! This volunteer opportunity offers a fun and meaningful service-learning experience. Volunteers will sharpen their skills in identifying both native and nonnative plant species, learn effective invasive removal techniques, and learn ways to positively impact Brown's Woods, Iowa's largest urban forest situated along the Raccoon River. Upcoming Dates: Saturday, September 27 @ 10 AM - 12 PM Saturday, October 18 @ 10 AM - 12 PM This activity is led by members of our very own Stewards of Brown’s Woods, a community-based volunteer group dedicated to the ecological restoration of this park. Volunteers and neighbors join together on a weekly basis to eliminate invasive plant species that threaten the forest ecosystem. *Volunteers should meet in the gravel overflow parking lot.
Stewards of Brown's Woods
-Remove invasive species including honeysuckle, buckthorn, Asiatic bittersweet, and others to aid in the reestablishment of native trees, grasses, sedges, and wild flowers. -Promote the growth of native vegetation to improve wildlife habitat, biodiversity, water quality, and overall health of the woodland ecosystem. -Learn about Stewards of Brown's Woods, a local community group of volunteers dedicated to the ecological restoration of Brown's Woods.
For questions please contact: Conservationvolunteers@polkcountyiowa.gov For day of event questions please contact our volunteer coordinators: Julie Perreault | 515-323-5351 Melissa Dempsey | 515-323-5396 Polk County Conservation strives to host inclusive, accessible events and meetings that enable all individuals to participate. If you anticipate needing a modification due to a disability or have questions about accessibility, please contact us at 515-323-5300 or pccb_info@polkcountyiowa.gov.
This event is appropriate for ages 8+. No experience necessary. - Ages 12+ will be permitted the use of hand tools - Ages 18+ will be permitted the use of power tools and equipment. Physical difficulty: Moderate. As an invasive species volunteer you will use loppers, handsaws, and reciprocating saws to cut and remove trees, shrubs, and vines. This role will require bending at the knees, standing, kneeling, and dragging brush material into piles. What to Bring: Dress for the weather. Dress for the weather. Required - closed-toe footwear. Recommended – long pants, long socks, work gloves, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, etc. for the picnic. A headlamp or flashlight is suggested for those participating in the evening harvest session. Gloves provided for those without. In an effort to promote sustainability at this event, please bring a reusable water bottle. Each event participant will be provided proper personal protective equipment and training as needed.
This opportunity will be canceled in the event of rain. Participants will be notified by email one hour prior to the event start time if a cancelation were to occur. By registering for this event, I acknowledge I am filling an open position. In the event that I and/or members of my group are unable to attend, I will cancel my registration to allow for others to join this event.
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