Invasive Plant Crew - Appleton Farms

Opportunity Overview 

Appleton Farms is seeking a group of individuals to help track and manage invasive species on the property. Invasive species such as multiflora rose, wild chervil, purple loosestrife, glossy buckthorn, and others can be found across the property and pose risks to biodiversity by threatening native plants.  

In particular, multiflora roses are widespread and require careful and intensive management. It can take many years to eradicate without herbicides and takes up valuable land space. Appleton Farms hopes to comprehensively track the presence of multiflora rose plants across the property with the use of a grid-based mapping system. 

Additionally, a combination of pruners, mowers, and weed whackers will be used to help contain the spread of invasives. There will be safety training done for volunteers using these tools, and use will be based on the comfort of the volunteer and is not required.  

Timing is flexible, with the hope of establishing a consistent schedule to meet as a group 3-4 times a month for a few hours at a time. We are hoping that the group can meet on a weekday for a 2-3 hours between 9am-5pm, but if volunteers are unable to meet with the group, independent work can be done any day of the week between sunrise and sunset. Work will start in early spring and go through autumn. 

Benefits 

• Exercise and outdoor activity   
• Spending time in unique natural areas, exploring beautiful parts of the farm not open to the public  
• Making a positive ecological impact by protecting native plants 
• Connecting with like-minded staff, visitors, and volunteers   

Responsibilities 

• Identification and removal of harmful invasive species 
• Safe use of management materials  

Qualifications 

• Experience with gardening, yard work, or landscaping a plus, but not required
• Ability to use a weed whacker and a DR mower, or a willingness to learn 
• Plant ID skills a plus, but not required​ 
• Volunteers should be able to navigate uneven terrain and be comfortable squatting, bending, and kneeling.

Time Commitment 

Ideally 3-4 times a month, for a few hours at a time, but volunteers are welcome to join whenever they can. 

​For more information: Contact the Volunteer Services Team at [email protected]

To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/  

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