Volunteer workday at Sharon Hills Nature Preserve

The invasive Autumn Olive is pictured in its foliage, flowering, and berry stages. This plant can be difficult to control because even after it is cut, stumps and roots will continue to re-sprout new shoots. Mirror file photo.

submitted by Legacy Land Conservancy

Join us on Saturday, August 9, from 10am to noon, to help remove invasive woody species from the Sharon Hills Nature Preserve. Volunteers will cut back shrubs to two-inch stumps and help haul cut plant material. Stumps will be treated by Legacy staff to ensure these hardy invasive plants don’t re-sprout in the spring. Please dress for the weather and in clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Pants and closed-toe shoes are a must, regardless of the temperature, to protect from poison ivy and getting scratched up while working outside. Legacy will provide tools and work gloves, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have a pair you like. Don’t forget a water bottle and sunscreen. We also suggest you bring bug spray to reduce the risk of exposure to ticks and other biting insects. Meet at the parking lot on Sharon Hollow Road (between Walker and Washburn roads).

Please RSVP by filling out the Google form (which you can reach by visiting https://legacylandconservancy.org/events/ and scrolling down and clicking on “Remove invasive species at Sharon Hills Nature Preserve” then clicking on Google Form link). Questions? Call 734-302-5263 or email volunteer@legacylandconservancy.org.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.