Sponsoring Organization: Adkins Arboretum

Dates: Ongoing

Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve on the Tuckahoe River adjacent to Tuckahoe State Park. The Arboretum trains volunteers to assist staff in removing invasive non-natives. Workdays are flexible. Volunteers learn how to identify invasive plants and the best protocols for managing specific invasive species. In addition, the Arboretum’s native meadows and wetland are managed by manually removing removal of shrubs and trees.

Contact: Ginna Tiernan, gtiernan@adkinsarboretum.org, 410-634-2847 (x27).

More information: Eleanor Altman, ealtman@adkinsarboretum.org, 410-634-2847 (x22). Web site: www.adkinsarboretum.org

Sponsoring Organization: American Chestnut Land Trust

Dates and Times:

• Every Wednesday: 10am – 12pm (October-April) and 9am - 11am (May-September)
• Call for more dates

Join us for our extensive Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal program in one of the last pristine watersheds on the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Work as a team or individually; includes training, tools, water, and gloves.

Contact: Liz Stoffel, Land Manager, 410-414-3400 or land@acltweb.org.

More information: American Chestnut Land Trust, Post Office Box 204, Port Republic, MD 20676. Phone: 410-586-1570. Fax: 410-586-0468. Web: http://www.acltweb.org/.

Become an Urban Weed Warrior!

Baltimore City Recreation and Parks has started its own Urban Weed Warriors program. Training will include weed ID, removal techniques, and native alternatives to exotic flora. The training will lead to certification as a weed warrior, whereby volunteers can work on their own to help control non-native invasives in City parks. There will also be information about organized weed-pull activities throughout the summer.

Weed Warrior activities are scheduled throughout the year at Cylburn Arboretum, Herring Run Park, Leakin Park, and Wyman Park.

Contact: for all Baltimore City programs, contact Kimberley Mead at Kimberley.Mead @ baltimorecity.gov, 410-396-0359 for more information or directions.

Dates: Ongoing Saturday, Sunday, and occasional mid-week invasive species workgroups. Times and dates vary based on available team leader. Please call or email for schedule.

We will be removing creeping euonymous, Japanese honeysuckle, winged burning bush, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, Japanese Stiltgrass, Garlic Mustard, etc. from various parts of the property, which contains mature forest with giant trees.

Location: Belt Woods is bordered by Central Ave (214) to the south and Church Road to the east, just on the outskirts of Bowie, MD. Meeting place for work groups varies, depending on the focus for that day.

Bring/Wear: Snacks and water. Gloves and tools provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite tool or pair of gloves. Poison ivy is very abundant, as are thorny bushes, so please dress in long pants and long sleeved shirts. Some protection from ticks is also advised.

Contact: E-mail to be added to the contact list at pamelakcooper@verizon.net or call (301) 390-0797.

Sponsoring Organizations: Montgomery County Sierra Club, Montgomery Bird Club, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

Leader: Mimi Abdu

Dates and Times: Fourth Sunday of each month, 9:00am - 11:00am (invasive removal, March - November).

The diverse habitats surrounding the closed Oaks Landfill attract birds and other wildlife. Bird diversity has dropped off in recent years due to invasive non-native plants. We are partnering with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Montgomery County Bird Club to observe the relationship between bird diversity and habitat, remove invasive plants, and return the area into a birding hot spot.

Bring: Tools are limited so please bring clippers, saws, and loppers. Long sleeves, pants, comfortable walking shoes or boots, hat, water, gloves, and binoculars are recommended.

Directions: Meet at the Zion Road park entrance between Brookeville and Riggs Roads. Go north on Georgia Avenue through Olney and Brookeville. Make a left on Brookeville Road. Make a right on Zion Road. The park entrance is on the left 1/2 mile from Brookeville Road at 20500 Zion Road before Riggs. Trail map.

Map and more information: Sierra Club calendar: http://maryland.sierraclub.org/montgomery/calendar.html.

Contact: RSVP Mimi Abdu at mimi.abdu@maryland.sierraclub.org or 301-919-6060.

Baltimore Weed Warriors

Blue Water Baltimore was formed through the recent merger of the Herring Run, Jones Falls, Gwynns Falls, and Baltimore Harbor Watershed Associations and the Baltimore Harbor Waterkeeper. Includes Meadowood Park, Druid Hill Park, Stony Run Park, Western Run Park and Wyman Park.

Blue Water Baltimore is seeking volunteers to help liberate our native forests from invasive plants. Your work will be critical both for the success of reforestation projects and for the conservation of Baltimore's mature tree canopy. Plus, you'll get a great workout!

Bring: We will provide all training, tools, and work gloves, but please dress appropriately for the weather. Work boots and a pair of thin, warm gloves that you can wear under work gloves (during the cold season) are highly recommended.

More Information: or to sign up, please contact Debra at dlenik@bluewaterbaltimore.org or at 410-254-1577 x100.

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Weed Warriors are needed for the forested areas surrounding the gardens. You will be given directions so that you may work independently, weekends or weekdays, on your own schedule.

Contact: Stacy Parsons, 301-962-1417 or stacy.parsons@mncppc-mc.org. Web sites: www.BrooksideGardens.org and/or http://www.weedwarrior.org/.

Sponsoring Organization: Sierra Club, Montgomery County Chapter

Location: Cabin John Local Park (meet at the MacArthur Blvd. parking lot between 75th St. and Cabin John Parkway.)

Bring: M-NCPPC will provide gloves and pruners, but feel free to bring your own clipper, handsaw, and gloves. Long sleeves, pants, comfortable walking shoes or boots, and water are recommended.

More information: http://maryland.sierraclub.org/montgomery/ or contact Jeremy Arling at md.sierraclub @ comcast.net or 240-398-3635.

Sponsoring Organization: Carroll County Forest Conservancy District Board

Become a Weed Warrior! Help the Environment- Earn Volunteer Service Hours! Have "Fun with a Purpose" Outdoors!

After the loss of habitat, the takeover by invasive exotic plants causes the next most harm to our native species. These invasive weeds crowd out native plants. Our native butterflies and animals also suffer when the native plants they depend upon are no longer around.

Weed Warrior training and weed removal events are planned for Spring. Check the calendar for dates and times.

More Information: contact Carolyn Puckett at (410) 876-1995 or e-mail cpuck@comcast.net. Also, see website http://ccfb.gardentotable.net/. E-mail Carolyn to be added to their e-mail list announcing weed warrior activities.

Sponsoring Organizations: Sierra Club, Chapman Forest Foundation

Dates and Times: Usually the first Sundays and following Saturday, monthly, 10:00am – 4:00pm

There are about 3,000 native plant species in Maryland, with 800 at Chapman Forest and contiguous Swann Park, 49 of which are endangered.

Help remove invasive non-natives from the 200-acre Swann Park and 800-acre portion of Chapman Forest designated Chapman State Park. There will be time for plant identification and a beautiful beach lunch. Learn about best season for species, wet soil condition for pulling, extent of area of natives seen rescued, delayed gratification, targeted use of herbicides, and matching funds for staff to do what volunteers find hard to do.

Non-native invasive plant removal will reach maintenance phase following a major work effort at each site in the Mid-Atlantic region and around the world for about five to seven years to remove the massive populations of species. Regular stewardship projects are conducted in all seasons including winter, early spring, late spring, summer, and late summer. This high-intensity program is followed by a low-intensity annual maintenance program for plants we have missed, plants emerging from the seed bank, and occasional plants migrating in from neighboring areas.

Read A Survey of Rare Natural Heritage Resources Along Three Trails at Chapman State Park, Charles County, Maryland, by Roderick Simmons (PDF, ~1.56 MB).

Directions:
Sundays: Meet at main gate of Chapman Forest. Take the Washington Capital Beltway to Indian Head Highway (MD 210) south toward Indian Head (from VA Exit 2; from MD Exit 3A). At 14 miles, continue through on MD 210 through the traffic light at MD 227 (This crossroads is the center of the community known as Bryans Road). At about 1.1 miles past the light, veer to the right onto Chapmans Landing Road. Follow for 1.6 miles to the gated entrance of Mount Aventine and Chapman State Park.
Saturdays: Meet at Ruth B. Swann Park-Potomac Branch Library parking lot, 20 miles south of Washington Beltway (I-495) on Rt. 210 (Indian Head Hwy), about a mile and a half south from the traffic light on Rt. 2l0 in Bryans Road. Give yourself 30 to 40 minutes from the Beltway.

Carpool Info: Meet at Sierra Club Md. Chapter office at 9 a.m.; return 5 p.m. Call Laurel Imlay at 301-277-7111.

Wear/Bring: Casual clothing, long sleeves and pants, sturdy comfortable walking boots/shoes; gloves are encouraged for these events.

Contact: Marc Imlay, 301-283-0808; call 301-442-5657 (cell) on workdays.

More information: Area information and map can be found at www.chapmanforest.org and www.mattawomanwatershedsociety.org.

Sponsoring Organization: Baltimore County Recreation and Parks

Dates: second Saturday of each month, 9:00am - 12:00pm. Rain date is the following day, at the same time.

Cromwell Valley Park is a wonderful rural park just outside the Beltway on Cromwell Bridge Road. Quietly and slowly, parts of CVP are being transformed with the help of enthusiastic volunteers. The Habitat Restoration Team has been working for several years to remove the unwanted invasive nuisance plants, and to replant some areas with native plants suitable for this particular place. We want the wild areas of the Park to be as healthy and friendly to wildlife as possible after three centuries of industrial and agricultural activity and more recent suburbanization. The areas we have worked on in recent years, Beehive Woods and Dogwood Hill, are looking much better, free of major invasives, with new trees and shrubs gaining a foothold. A new project last year was the installation of a deer exclusion fence demonstration to show the effects of excessive deer browsing in the forest.

We have been greatly helped by groups from local schools and businesses; we always welcome groups who want to help. But the consistent work force is one that meets at the Sherwood House each month on the second Saturday at 9 AM and we work until 12 PM. We only cancel if there is too much rain and then the rain date is always the next day (Sunday).

Please join us. We provide tools, but you should wear appropriate clothing with long sleeves for working in the woods. There remains a lot to do. You will end the morning with the satisfaction of knowing you made a positive contribution to conserving the natural environment - and we guarantee a good workout!

Wear/Bring: Suitable protective clothing.

Contact: Carl Koprowicz, Chair, Habitat Restoration Team, 410-887-2503, Monday – Friday, 9:00am - 2:00pm, or birders1@netzero.com. You may also call to volunteer to participate in trail maintenance outings at cvpark@bcpl.net. Volunteers are placed on an e-mail notify list.

More Information: The park office is at 410-887-2503, info@cromwellvalleypark.org. Check out the park's website at http://www.cromwellvalleypark.org.

Sponsoring Organization: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Welcome to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland's Eastern Shore. This 2,285-acre island refuge is a major feeding and resting place for migrating and wintering waterfowl. More than 100,000 ducks, geese and swans seek sanctuary here each year, as do migrating and breeding songbirds and shorebirds, and Bald Eagles that thrive here year-round. Interpretive programs and hikes are offered at this wetland site known for its rare plant life.

Wineberries with garlic mustard: A new type of exotic fruit salad? Not quite. These are two invasive plant species that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would like help removing from Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge. Garlic Mustard is a newly arrived invasive species, and is a management priority. Wineberry is a raspberry-like plant that begins to ripen with fruit between June and July. Garlic mustard is pulled by hand, but a 4-pronged spading fork works best on wineberry.

Wear: High boots (for ticks) are recommended, along with a DEET-based bug repellent, a hat and gloves.

Location: 1730 Eastern Neck Road, Rock Hall, MD.

Contact: Colby Hawkinson, colby_hawkinson@fws.gov or 410-708-1956.

Sponsoring Organization: Fairfax County Park Authority, Virginia

The Fairfax County Park Authority is looking for volunteers to participate in their Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) program. Survey Leaders and casual volunteers are needed to help conduct surveys on Fairfax County parkland that will look for new populations of invasive plants. The premise of this program is that if we can find the populations before they become established we can prevent them from becoming the next Japanese stiltgrass or garlic mustard. Volunteers must be able to identify native and non-native plants and be able to walk off trail.

Dates and Times: Training dates for those who wish to become Survey Leaders are listed at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/IMA/IMA-calendar.htm. Please RSVP to the trainings and to the survey dates as space is limited.

More Information and RSVPs: Erin Stockschlaeder, Early Detection and Rapid Response Coordinator, Natural Resource Management and Protection, Fairfax County Park Authority, 703-324-8750.

Sponsoring Organizations: Anacostia Watershed Society and the National Park Service

The park comprises almost the entire area of Fort Dupont subwatershed which is approximately 460 acres; about 11% is impervious. It is the least populated subwatershed and the one with the highest level of forest cover in the Anacostia watershed, with a forest cover of 63.9%; the subwatershed possesses substantial areas of mature forests of 65 years or older. The park and the entire subwatershed are located entirely within the Coastal Plain physiographic province, although the park topography is quite hilly which explains why a military fort was built during the Civil War era.

Roughly more than 50 acres are infested with invasive plants. However, the magnificent mature forests of the park are, at many sites, almost free of invasive plants; in addition, there is a rather low deer population which means that the park has some healthy and nice-looking woods! In these sites the forest understory shelters native shrubs like mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia) which are abundant on slopes. The Cranefly Orchid (Tipularia discolor) is another remarkable native species. At least two interesting native parasitic species occur in the park, Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana) and Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora), the presence of the latter by itself shows how rich the woods are. Interestingly, the park has a healthy Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) population in the middle of the city!

AWS invasive removals usually employ hand-pulling, cutting (with hand pruners and cutting saws) and pulling using tools, i.e., pitchforks. We will focus on Garlic Mustard in springtime; however, we will also remove: Japanese Stilt Grass, Mile-a-minute, Multiflora Rose, Chinese Wisteria, English Ivy among others. Our invasive plant removal outings have an educative approach; volunteers usually have an introductory talk by one of the park rangers about the history of the park and other interesting facts. AWS staff will talk about some aspects of the natural history of the park and will surely point out interesting native plants and animals.

Directions: We will meet up at the park's Activity Center which is located on Fort Dupont Drive, SE, off Randle Circle, SE. Fort Dupont Park is located in Southeast Washington, D.C., east of the Anacostia River. It is not near Dupont Circle. It is bounded by Minnesota Avenue to the west; Ely and Ridge Roads to the north; Alabama Avenue to the east; and Massachusetts Avenue to the south.

Bring: We strongly recommend long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and closed-toe shoes (hiking or waterproof). This helps minimize skin exposure to poison ivy and ticks, which are found in the park (If clothing can also be light-colored, it'll be easier to spot ticks). We recommend bringing along a repellant designed to repel both deer ticks and mosquitoes and a water bottle. AWS will provide gloves, tools and other supplies to get the job done. Bring your bird and wildflower field guides and enjoy one of the best urban greenspaces in the nation!

Note: People highly allergic to poison ivy should think carefully before entering any wooded or weedy area in the Mid-Atlantic. Poison ivy is commonly found in the park.

Contact: info@anacostiaws.org, phone: (301) 699-6204

Sponsoring Organization: Fort Meade

Dates and Times: Second Saturdays, monthly, 10:00am

Help remove Japanese stilt grass, English ivy, garlic mustard, tree of heaven, multiflora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, common privet, phragmites, Asiatic tearthumb, etc. Prior to removing the weeds, there will be a short training session on identification, and control techniques of non-native invasive plants.

People of all ages, backgrounds and interests are invited to spend a few hours outdoors, hand-pulling some non-native plants while learning about the differences between native and non-native invasive plants and how these invasives adversely impact our natural ecosystem.

Directions: Take Route 175 East from the 295 Baltimore Washington Parkway. Turn right onto Reece Road to enter the post, immediately turn left onto Ernie Pyle Street, go approximately 1 mile to Llewellyn Avenue, Turn left on Llewellyn, then turn right onto Chisholm Avenue, turn left on 3rd Street, turn right on Ross Road and go to 2nd building on the right, Environmental Division Office.

Bring/Wear: Bring hand tools, gloves, lunch and water. Long sleeves and pants recommended.

Contact: Mick Butler, Installation Forester, by phone at 301-677-9188 in April for the dates starting in Spring for the Second Saturday of every month at 10 am. Time is flexible if enough volunteers are available. At least three days prior to the event, contact Mick Butler, Installation Forester, by phone at 301-677-9188 or by e-mail at mick.butler@us.army.mil, or contact Sheila Chambers, 301-677-9167 or sheila.chambers@us.army.mil. A list of names should be provided to the forester that will in turn be provided to guard personnel at Reece Road entrance to ensure access on to post.

Sponsoring Organization: Frostburg State University

Volunteer for one of the Arboretum Workdays! The FSU arboretum would never be able to survive if it wasn't for the help of its many dedicated volunteers. Volunteers have given their time, money, and hard work to help rid the arboretum of invasive plants, clean the trails, plant the gardens, and perform general maintenance. Programs such as the Allen HallSTARS! and Americorps have also made this possible. Many grants from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation have also funded our efforts.

Directions: Meet at the gazebo in the stadium parking lot, ready to work outside.

Note: Tools and gloves provided.

Contact: Dr. Sunshine Brosi, Ethnobotanist, Department of Biology, sibrosi@frostburg.edu, 301-687-4213; Dr. Daniel Fiscus, Forest Ecologist, Department of Biology, dafiscus@frostburg.edu, 301-687-4170.

Sponsoring Organization: National Park Service

The National Parks Service works with other local organizations to perform invasive species removal in the National Parks. Locations include:

• Potomac Heritage Trail
• Roaches Run Waterfowl Sanctuary, Arlington, VA

More Information: Amanda Chidsey, (703) 289-2545. More information about George Washington Memorial Parkway: http://www.nps.gov/gwmp.

Sponsoring Organization: Greenbelt Homes, Inc.

Dates: Third Wednesday of each month

The Greenbelt Homes, Inc., (GHI) housing cooperative in Old Greenbelt has approximately 100 acres of stewardship forest as well as other wooded parcels. The Woodlands Committee is actively involved with urban forestry management. Regular work sessions and educational events are scheduled the third Wednesday of every Month. Typical outings include removal/eradication of non-native invasive plant species, tree plantings, bird counts, native landscaping seminars and guided hikes.

More information on GHI Woodlands Committee activities: contact Matt Berres, Manager, Maintenance Operations, mberres@ghi.coop or 301-474-4161 ext 132. Web: http://www.ghi.coop/Woodlands/index.htm.

Sponsoring Organization: National Park Service

Dates and Time: First Saturdays, monthly, 11:00am - 3:00pm

Located just 12 miles from Washington D.C., Greenbelt Park is a beloved retreat from the city and an important refuge for native plants and animals. Come join us in defending Greenbelt Park from encroachment by alien invasive plant growth. Volunteers will be hand pulling harmful non-native plants such as Japanese honeysuckle, Beefsteak Mint, Mile-a-minute weed and Garlic Mustard. People of all ages, backgrounds and interests are invited to spend a fun day outdoors while learning about the differences between native and non-native plants and helping to preserve the health and native wildlife of this local natural area.

Directions: The park entrance is at 6565 Greenbelt Road (MD Rt 193). From the Beltway, take Kenilworth Avenue south about 1/4 mile to Greenbelt Rd. Kenilworth goes under Greenbelt Rd; stay to the right so you can take Greenbelt Rd East (a left to go over Kenilworth). From US Rt 1, take Greenbelt Rd east past Beltway Plaza shopping center and Kenilworth Ave. The park entrance is only a few hundred yards past Kenilworth on the right. Follow the signs to the Sweetgum picnic area.

Bring/Wear: Lunch, drink, work gloves if you have them, and appropriate clothing for weather.

More info: Contact Tom Crone at tomnjan@erols.com or 301-864-1959, 202-746-2228, or visit www.nps.gov/gree/ or call 301-344-3944.

Sponsoring Organization: Gunpowder Valley Conservancy

Dates: see our calendar of events on our website at http://www.gunpowderfalls.org/.

Tree Maintenance Volunteers Needed!

The Gunpowder Valley Conservancy (GVC) is seeking volunteers, ages 12 and up, to adopt a tree planting site or be a helper on tree maintenance days in the Spring. You can help to maintain some of our 4,000 trees planted in the last 2 years. Invasive plants must be removed surrounding the trees; stakes and shelters must be secured; dead trees need to be marked; and watering may need to be done.

Contact: If you are interested in being a tree steward, contact Peggy Perry, Program Director for the GVC, at 410-668-0118 or pperry@gunpowderfalls.org.

More information: Web site, http://www.gunpowderfalls.org/.

Sponsoring Organization: Alice Ferguson Foundation

Leader: Karen Jensen Miles

The hike on trails through the diverse ecosystems of the Accokeek Creek and Potomac River watersheds focuses on plants and animals that live there, the interdependence of organisms in food webs, natural cycles, and each person's connection to the environment.

Volunteers are needed for invasive plant removal.

Contact: Call Karen Jensen Miles, Program Director, at 301-292-5665 or e-mail kmiles@fergusonfoundation.org for more information and schedule.

Sponsoring Organization: Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust

Leader: Bob Boxwell

Hellen Creek Forest and Wildlife Preserve is 50 acres of stream and ravine along Hellen Creek. We have over 25 species of trees including hemlocks and we are adjacent to The Nature Conservancy's Hemlock Preserve.

Join us for a quick tour of the preserve before we get down to the ongoing work of invasive plant removal and native wildflower plantings. Learn how you can improve your own backyard to make it friendlier to the environment and take a native plant home for your garden. We will provide gloves and tools, and refreshments.

Location: Hellen Creek Forest and Wildlife Preserve, 11785 Clifton Drive, Lusby MD 20657.

Directions: The Hellen Creek Forest and Wildlife Preserve is located off Clifton Drive in Lusby. From Washington, take Rt. 4 south to Calvert County. Turn right at the second light in Lusby, which is Coster/Mill Bridge Road. Take Coster Road less than 1 mile to Clifton Drive on the right. Follow this to the driveway on the left with the number 11875 posted. Follow to the end where you will see the Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust sign.

Wear: Sturdy clothes and shoes.

More info: To receive updates about workdays, e-mail or call Bob Boxwell, Executive Director, Cove Point Natural Heritage Trust, P.O. Box 336, Lusby, MD 20657, 410-394-1300 (office), 410-610-5124 (cell), or cpnht@comcast.net. Web site: http://www.covepoint-trust.org/.

Sponsoring Organization: Blue Water Baltimore

Dates: Ongoing

You will be working in city parks removing multi-flora rose, honeysuckle, English ivy, Japanese knotweed, Oriental bittersweet and more! Work consists of regular weed pull parties using shears, loppers, pick mattocks, and good 'ole muscles.

Directions: Parks throughout Herring Run watershed. See calendar at http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/events/ for directions to specific events.

Wear/Bring: Water, durable clothes w/long sleeves, boots, and sunscreen. We'll provide gloves and tools.

More information: Web Site: http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/.

Sponsoring Organization: Howard County Conservancy

The Habitat Restoration Work Group works on projects such as removing unwanted invasive nuisance plants, replanting and maintaining plantings areas with native plants, stream bank restoration, deer protection, erosion control as well as general trail maintenance.

Location: Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road, Woodstock, MD 21163.

Bring: We provide tools, but you should wear appropriate clothing with long sleeves for working in the woods.

Note: All levels of experience are welcome. In case of inclement weather, call the day of the event to see if we are still meeting. Events are listed on this website's calendar.

Contact: Tabby Fique, Land Manager/Easement Coordinator, Howard County Conservancy, 410-465-8877 ext. 109, tabby.fique@hcconservancy.org.

Sponsoring Organization: Blue Water Baltimore.

Dates: Check online calendar for dates.

Activities may take place at Meadowood Park, Druid Hill Park, Stony Run Park, Western Run Park and Wyman Park.

More information: Web site: http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/.

Sponsoring Organization: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Spring Stewardship Day

Adopt-a-plot Program

Directions: JBWS, 410-741-9330 or www.jugbay.org.

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Leaders: Chris Garrett and John Dillon, M-NCPPC Park Rangers

Dates: Ongoing. Contact John Dillon or Chris Garrett for dates and times as they are organized.

Built around a 38-acre lake, this beautiful park includes an aquatic garden, handicapped-accessible fishing pier and over two miles of hiker-biker trails.

Garlic Mustard Pull-off at Indian Creek Trail

Teams compete in removal of the non-native invasive weed Garlic Mustard. Prizes given to winning team for largest amount pulled in a given area and time.

Directions: The lake is located on Berwyn Road in College Park. Meet in the Lake Artemesia parking lot along Berwyn Road. Because vehicles are not permitted on park grounds, visitors should enter the park via trails at the 5200 block of Calvert Road in College Park, or Osage Street and Swathmore Court in Berwyn Heights (parking lot within easy walking distance).
From the south, the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 23 (Kenilworth Avenue) toward Bladensburg. Make a right onto Route 193 (Greenbelt Road). Make a right onto Branchville Road. (This road turns into 55th Avenue). The parking lot is on the left at the Berwyn Road intersection.
From the north, the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 25 (Route 1) toward College Park. Make a left onto Route 193 (Greenbelt Road), then a left onto Branchville Road. (This road turns into 55th Avenue). The parking lot is on the left at the Berwyn Road intersection.

Bring/Wear: Water, work boots, durable clothes, long sleeves, gloves.

Note: Light refreshments will be provided. There is some poison ivy at work site.

Contact: M-NCPPC Park Ranger Chris Garrett or John Dillon, M-NCPPC Park Ranger Office, 301-627-7755.

Sponsoring Organization: Little Falls Watershed Alliance (LFWA)

Dates: Ongoing Saturday and Wednesday invasive species workgroups. Usually the first Wednesday and second and fourth Saturdays, but schedule occasionally varies. Please visit our website for schedule www.lfwa.org/events.

We focus on removing creeping euonymous, Japanese honeysuckle, Porcelainberry, English Ivy, Garlic Mustard, etc., from various parts of the park.

Location: Little Falls Stream Valley Park is located between Massachusetts Ave and McArthur Blvd in lower Montgomery County. Meet at the gravel parking lot at the corner of Little Falls Parkway and Mass Ave.

Bring/Wear: Gloves and tools provided, but feel free to bring your own favorite tool or pair of gloves. Dress in long pants and long sleeved shirts to protect against poison ivy and thorns. Some protection from ticks is also advised.

Contact: Lynnwood Andrews at plants@LFWA.org and visit our website for schedule and to sign-up for events. We can also arrange special events for groups. Contact Lynnwood to set up.

Web Site: www.LFWA.org.

Sponsoring Organizations: Anacostia Watershed Society, Sierra Club, Maryland Native Plant Society

Dates and Times: Last Saturday of the month from 11:00am - 3:00pm.

Several of the worst invasive species in the Mid-Atlantic region, including English Ivy, Asiatic Bittersweeet, Garlic Mustard, Bush Honeysuckle and Porcelain Berry, are in the early stages of invasion in this park. Japanese Stiltgrass covers about 5% of the park. Research indicates that Japanese Stiltgrass is a major contributor of Nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and reduces by half the ability of any land it dominates to hold water and release it slowly. Non-native invasive plant removal will reach maintenance phase following a major work effort at each site in the Mid-Atlantic Region and around the world for about 3 to 5 years to remove the massive populations of species. Regular stewardship projects are conducted in all seasons including Winter, early Spring, late Spring, Summer, and late Summer.

This high intensity program is followed by a low intensity annual maintenance program for plants we have missed, plants emerging from the seed bank, and occasional plants migrating in from neighboring areas. The project supporters are now removing English Ivy, wineberry, periwinkle, Ground Ivy, Japanese pachysandra, Bush Honeysuckle, and multiflora Rose to rescue the incredible diversity of native plants and animals at this particular park. Unlike most parks in the area the 150 acre Little Paint Branch Park is in the early stages of invasion and is essentially the native plant nursery for the Paint Branch itself.

See what our volunteers have accomplished! View before and after photos.

Our day will include natural history and special features of the park, methods and reasons for the project to control the spread of invasives. Native flowers and other plants will be identified as we work to rescue them. Native plants to enjoy and protect at Little Paint Branch Park identified by Joe Metzger April 10, 2006 include: Jack in the Pulpit, White Wood Aster, Spring Beauty, Trout Lilly, Strawberry Bush, American Holly, Spotted Touch-me-not (Jewel Weed), Eastern Grasswort, Woodrush, Flat Tree Club Moss, Partridge-berry, Cinnamon Fern, Dwarf Ginseng, Virginia Knotweed, Cinque-foil, Cursed Crowfoot, Buttercup, Dewberry, Black Raspberry, Elderberry, Solomon’s Seal, Goldenrod, Skunk Cabbage, Meadow-Rue, New York Fern, Cranefly Orchid, Low Blueberry, Possum-haw, Common Blue Violet, and Netted Chain Fern.

We will continue the wonderful progress accomplished the last three years by the Americorps workers, General Electric Volunteers, Robert Goddard French Immersion and Montesori Elementary School, Washington Quaker Work Camps, and World Bank volunteers at Little Paint Branch Community Park.

Bring: It is best to wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Gloves and tools will be provided.

Note: There are full indoor toilet facilities and a large seating area for lunch. There will be a sign-in and safety orientation with handouts.

Directions: Meet at the Beltsville Community Center parking lot. Take U.S. 1 north from the Beltway. Go about 1 mile, passing the National Agricultural Research Center, and turn left at the light on Montgomery Rd. Go 3 blocks and turn left on Sellman Road. Go about 5 blocks and turn right into Little Paint Branch Park at the bottom of the hill.

Contact: Marc Imlay, PhD, Conservation biologist, Anacostia Watershed Society, 301-442-5657, 301-283-0808, or Marc.Imlay@pgparks.com, for dates and times and rsvp. Visit www.anacostiaws.org.

Sponsoring Organization: Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek

Dates and Times: last Saturday of the month, March - June, 9am to noon

The Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek hosts the monthly removal of non-native invasive plants from Woodworth Park in Cheverly, MD. This 15–acre wooded buffer wedged between a residential neighborhood and Route 50 is slowly returning to its natural state thanks to The Friends of Lower Beaver Dam Creek.

The group landscaped steps into a small hill that leads to an inviting trail the volunteers blazed along a shallow winding creek. The creek, which roughly divides the park in two, eventually feeds a tributary of the Anacostia River. The reclaimed land has a peaceful resonance. Trees stand out. Space, depth and light are abundant. Smaller trees such as sassafras, hickory, hornbeam and a dogwood - discovered on a hillside after the thickets were cleared - were labeled. The forest returned to its rightful winter hues - brown, black and gray.

Help clean up the most polluted stream in the Anacostia Watershed. Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek seeks volunteers for invasive-plant removal and native planting activity. Meet at Woodworth Park on Wayne Place in Cheverly, MD.

Bring/Wear: Tools are provided, but wear work gloves and sturdy shoes.

Directions: Meet at Woodworth Park on Wayne Place in Cheverly. Take 202 East under the BW Parkway. Go one block and turn right on Cheverly. Go one mile and turn left on Forest Road. Go 2 blocks passing Church on left and turn right on Parkway. Go 2 blocks and turn left on Wayne for one block. We meet there at the park by the small playground.

Contact: To join Friends of LBC or for more info about the park, contact Dan or Cathy Smith at 301-386-4394, Gabe Horchler ghor@loc.gov or Elaine Friebele at 301-341-5722 for confirmation of date and occasional change in location to Euclid Park and Magruder Springs in Cheverly.

Sponsoring Organizations: M-NCPPC Cheverly Conservation Corps and Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek

Dates: Please call 301-341-1261 to arrange a work session, when you are free to help out.

Euclid Woods consists of a 50 acre contiguous wooded area wedged between a residential neighborhood, the hospital hill, and the Cheverly Industrial Park, bounded on the west side by a tributary feeding into the Lower Beaverdam Creek. After restoration work began shortly after 2000 the area is slowly returning to its natural state, primarily due to removal of invasive plants and the rescue of young trees and shrubs from windfalls. The restoration has allowed the return of a rich understory of native shrubs, saplings and herbaceous plants, which form the basis of the local food chain and which in turn encourage insects that, according to the entomologist Doug Tallamy, form over 96 percent of the summer diet of our birds. Smaller trees and shrubs, such as dogwood, hawthorn, sassafras, serviceberry, spicebush and several viburnums, such as the hobblebush and witherod are now thriving. Birds such as the pileated woodpecker, woodcock and a number of raptors that had gone missing are now returning. The forest is beginning to function as it should to keep our air and waters pure and support the web of life that in turn supports us. Bring friends and help us remove invasive plants to maintain and further improve this largest and most productive natural area in Cheverly.

Bring: Tools provided, but bring work gloves and sturdy shoes.

Directions: Call ahead to arrange the time and meet at 5607 Greenleaf Rd in Cheverly. Enter Forest Rd from Cheverly Ave heading west; go three blocks and keep right when the road splits; continue straight ahead and park anywhere at the end of on Greenleaf Rd.

Contact: For further information please contact Matt Salo at 301-341-1261.

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Dates: Ongoing

In 1999, M-NCPPC/Montgomery Parks forest ecologist Carole Bergmann created the Weed Warriors Program as a way to combat the non-native invasive plant (NNIs) problem in Montgomery County. The program's goal is to educate citizens about identification and management of NNIs. Through 2010, more than 750 people had been trained by Carole and her staff. Certified Weed Warriors have logged more than 30,000 hours, and have made a valuable contribution to non-native invasive plant control in many parts of Montgomery County’s 34,000-acre park system. SIGN UP TO HELP US!

Weed Warriors has two components:

1. Certified Weed Warriors. Volunteers must complete a two-part online course and participate in a two-hour field training session. Once certified, Weed Warriors are authorized to work anywhere on M-NCPPC/Montgomery County parkland, on their own schedules and at their own pace. They can also work on group projects with the staff coordinator of the Weed Warriors Program, and those will strong interest and leadership skills may be appointed as Weed Warrior Supervisors.
2. Special Project Weed Warriors. This component gives community members the opportunity to learn about and work on invasive plants in their parks without making the commitment to become full-fledged Weed Warriors. Under the supervision of Weed Warrior Supervisors, special workdays take place throughout the year in small and large parks throughout Montgomery County.

At the present time there are regular weekend and weekday projects in Little Falls Stream Valley Park, Capital Crescent Trail Special Park, Rachel Carson Conservation Park, Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park (two locations), Wheaton Regional Park at Brookside Nature Center, Sligo Creek Stream Valley Park (three locations), Ovid Hazen Wells Recreation Park, and Meadowbrook Local Park along Rock Creek, just north of the Maryland/DC line.

Special Project Weed Warriors, enables community groups (e.g., schools, workplaces, church or synagogues, or community associations) to learn weed ID and removal on the spot and then spend a couple of hours tackling invasive vines, shrubs, and herbaceous plants on county parkland.

Contact: Weed Warriors volunteer coordinator Paul Carlson – paul.carlson@montgomeryparks.org or 301-962-1343.

More information: Montgomery Parks Special Project Warrior Events. Weed Warriors web site.

Sponsoring Organization: Friends of Magruder Woods

Sponsoring Organization: Anacostia Watershed Society

Sponsoring Organizations: Howard County Recreation and Parks and Howard County Master Gardeners

The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA), established in 1996, is 1,021 acres in size and contains a diversity of habitat types. There are upland and bottomland hardwood forest, fields, wetlands, ponds, and riparian habitats. The primary components of the MPEA's mission are natural resources management, education, research and recreation.

The Conservation Stewardship Project, a joint program of the Howard County Recreation & Parks and the Howard County Master Gardeners, targets the problem of controlling invasive, exotic species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. Volunteer work dates occur monthly from March through November, skipping July & August. Each date includes an educational component concerning the target invasive species or target work area for the day.

See the calendar on this website for dates and times.

Driving Directions:

Contact: Master Gardener Aylene Gard at (410) 992-9889 or Jeff Claffy, Assistant Natural Resources Manager, MPEA at (410) 313-6209 or jclaffy@howardcountymd.gov.

More information about the MPEA: Web site: http://www.co.ho.md.us/RAP/RAP_MPEA.htm.

Sponsoring Organizations: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Muddy Branch Alliance (http://muddybranch.org/)

Leader: Ken Bawer

Dates & Time: Next to last Saturday of each month from 10 AM until 1 PM. Rain or shine.

The Muddy Branch Weed Warrior project will be a crucial activity to help control the spread of non-native invasive (NNI) plants in this stream valley. Come learn what NNIs are, the problems they create, and then help pull and cut the bad guys. I'll also point native plants along the way.

Students who need an SSL Activity can attend. Volunteers do NOT need to be official Weed Warriors.

This activity is sanctioned by the Montgomery County Parks Department's Weed Warrior Program.

Location: Meeting locations in the park will vary. Please check the Muddy Branch Alliance Web site (http://www.muddybranch.org/) for the next location and to register

Questions can be sent to Ken Bawer at kbawer@msn.com (cell: 240-744-6306).

Bring: Work gloves, pruners, hand saws, loppers, and shovels -- not that everyone needs all of these. I use a garden shovel with long handle (4 ft) and a small (6" wide), pointed blade for digging out Wine Berry - yeah, there's alot. It's lighter than the larger blade shovels. Folks should definitely bring drinking water and perhaps a snack or lunch as they desire. Depending on the season: sun block and insect repellant. Wear sturdy footwear (hiking boots, etc.).

Contact: Ken Bawer, volunteer Weed Warrior Invasive Project Supervisor, kbawer@msn.com. Call after 9 AM on Saturday at 240-744-6306 if in doubt about the weather. Forms are available for students who need an SSL Activity.

Sponsoring Organization: The Nature Conservancy

Two years ago, we trained our first generation of Weed Watcher volunteers! Weed Watchers explore our preserves and map new occurrences of invasive plant species that threaten our native flora. The Conservancy's weed management philosophy emphasizes preventing new weed infestations to minimize the impact and expense of weed control.

The second part of this program is promptly controlling new weed infestations. That's where Weed Busters come in. Control may include pulling, cutting, digging roots, mowing, or applying herbicide to foliage or cut stumps. In some cases, we have enough advance notice to describe the projects on this website and in our volunteer newsletter, along with our other outdoor projects. In other cases, we won't have enough time.

We've developed a list of volunteers who want to be contacted about these short-notice field projects. If a given workday does not fit your schedule, we'll understand and hope to see you at the next one! We conduct 6-10 weed control workdays throughout Maryland in a given growing season (April through November), and we hope that people on the Weed Busters list will be able to participate in 2 or more workdays per season.

More Information: If you'd like to be notified about these field projects, please send an e-mail to dbarber@tnc.org or call Deborah Barber, Volunteer Coordinator at (301) 897-8570.

Sponsoring Organizations: Montgomery County DEP, Northwood HS, and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Dates and Times: contact for community work days.

Work on the Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail and the Breewood property (owned by Montgomery Parks at SE corner of University and Sligo Creek Pkwy). Work may include removing trash and dumped household items, removing invasive species, stormwater retrofit, building a natural surface trail (continuing the Northwest Chesapeake Bay Trail) to connect Sligo Creek and Northwest Branch Parks, and education and outreach in neighboring communities to clean-up property and encourage respect and pride for it.

Contact: Jennifer Chambers, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Northwood Chesapeake Bay Trail Project Coordinator. Web site: http://www.patc.net/PublicView/.

Sponsoring Organization: Otter Point Creek Anita C. Leight Estuary Center

Date/Times: contact for more information.

Invasinators!

Enjoy pink Lady's Slippers and native orchids in upland and wooded swamp. Become a part of the volunteer team of invasive plant removers and native plant restorers. Learn why non-native invasive plants are a threat to our ecosystem, how to identify problem plants, and removal and restoration strategies.

Participants receive an "Invasinators" T-shirt after attending two work days.

Wear: Sturdy shoes, long sleeves, and work gloves for fieldwork in the Reserve each meeting date.

Location: Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon, MD 21009.

Contact/Registration Info: Please call Kriste Garman, 410-612-1688 or register through the web, http://www.otterpointcreek.org/.

Annual Garlic Mustard Challenge

Remove Invasive Vines

More information: Patapsco Valley State Park Volunteer Opportunities.

Dates, Times, and Locations: check the event calendar for dates and times.

Patuxent Research Refuge, established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936, was America's first and only refuge devoted to support wildlife research. Patuxent's mission is "to help protect and conserve the nation's wildlife and habitat through research on critical environmental problems and issues." Its 12,750 acres of forest, meadow, and wetland habitats are managed to promote biological diversity and the protection of native and migratory bird species.

Non-native invasive plants are threatening our wildlife habitat. We need YOU to help stop them. Come out for one of our "Weed Warriors Days" and help us treat garlic mustard, mile-a-minute, Japanese stiltgrass and other non-native plant infestations on the refuge. All ages and abilities are welcome. Do your part to protect Patuxent from alien invaders, and become a Weed Warrior! You will receive a short educational briefing explaining the effects of invasive plants on wildlife and wildlife habitats and how to identify and control these plants.

Note: Wear long sleeves and pants and bring gloves.

Contact: Please register for these events by calling 301-497-5887.

Directions to the North Tract Visitor Contact Station: From I-295, take the exit for MD-Route 198 towards Fort Meade. Go approximately 1.5 miles until you see "Glory Days Auto Salvage" on your near right corner and baseball fields on your far right. Turn right between the two onto Bald Eagle Drive. Proceed through the gate and continue about 1/2 mile to the Visitor Contact Station.

Directions to the National Wildlife Visitor Center: The National Wildlife Visitor Center is located off of Powder Mill Road between MD Route 197 and the Baltimore/Washington Parkway, south of Laurel.

More info: call 301-497-5763 or visit patuxent.fws.gov.

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Invasive plants present one of the greatest threats to the health and biodiversity of public lands. Join a park naturalist to help remove these invasive plants.

Bring: Please dress in old clothes and closed toe shoes or work boots. Gloves and tools will be provided.

Register: Register at http://www.pgparks.com/. Ages 13 to adult.

Directions: Meet at the park Visitors Center at 16000 Croom Airport Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

More Information: Call Stephanie for more information at 301-627-6074.

Potomac Conservancy's Growing Native is a year-round volunteer project that helps to restore and protect rivers and streams in the Potomac River watershed. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds participate in Growing Native by collecting native tree seeds and planting trees along streams and rivers across the region. Not only are participants creating forests for tomorrow, they are also learning the important connection between healthy, forested lands and clean waters

Since Growing Native's inception in 2001, nearly 30,000 volunteers collected more than 94,000 pounds of acorns, walnuts, and other hardwood tree seeds. These seeds have generated seedlings that will be used to restore sensitive streamside lands.

Growing Native's efforts culminate in the fall, when we do large scale outreach to individuals, community groups, and local businesses to get involved while seeds are dropping on the ground! We invite people to volunteer by acting as Growing Native ambassador, seed collection event coordinators, and Drop-off site coordinators.

More information: Contact Kate McNamee, Outreach Coordinator, Potomac Conservancy, 8601 Georgia Avenue, Suite 612, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301.608.1188 x211.

Web site: www.potomac.org.

Sponsoring Organization: The Nature Conservancy and the National Park Service

Dates: Ongoing

The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the National Park Service, will continue all season with invasive plant control workdays in the Potomac Gorge, a 15-mile stretch of river valley between Great Falls and Georgetown with over 200 rare plants and 5 globally rare plant communities. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for a variety of workdays, where we cut or pull some of the most problematic weeds, often in scenic areas. We will hold Weed Warrior trainings, where volunteers learn 13 non-native plant species, adopt an area and work independently in the National Parks in the Potomac Gorge.

We have some upcoming volunteer workdays in the Potomac Gorge - please come join us! There will be a slew of fun opportunities in the spring! Please let Mary know if you are interested.

More information: go to http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/maryland/events/ for a list of workdays, or contact Mary Travaglini, Potomac Gorge Habitat Restoration Manager, if you would like to sign up a school or organizational group for a workday, or be added to our email list: PotomacGorgeVol@tnc.org; or 301-897-8570 x210.

Sponsoring Organizations: Prettyboy Watershet Alliance and Sierra Club

Dates: Contact for time and dates.

Invasive Vine Cutting at Prettyboy Reservoir

For those who love hiking and animal-watching, Prettyboy Reservoir provides habitat for a variety of forest wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and songbirds.

Meet for a couple hours of cutting invasive vines along the CCC fireroads at Prettyboy Reservoir.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot on Tracey Store Rd. Reach Tracey Store Rd. by getting off I-83 north at the Mt. Carmel Rd. exit and heading west. Turn right on Pretty Boy Dam Rd. Turn left on Tracey Store Rd. After passing a Prettyboy Reservoir sign and a couple fireroads on the right and crossing a creek, park in the dirt parking lot on the right side of the road.

Bring: Clippers, loppers, hand saws, and gloves will be available, or you may bring your own.

Contact: Nancy L. Shaper, nshaper@jhmi.edu or Mary at 443-386-0862 (cell), 410-239-4590 (home), or XxDiTz4LyFxX@aol.com.

Sponsoring Organization: Baltimore County Recreation and Parks

Dates and Times: Second Saturday monthly, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Join a ranger and the Habitat & Trail team as you help maintain the beauty of Robert E. Lee Park. We have some of the best trails in Baltimore, so come get your hands dirty! Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring water.

Location: 1000 Lakeside Dr., Baltimore, MD 21210.

More Information: Call 410-887-4156 for questions or register.

Rock Creek EXTREME Cleanup and Ongoing Activities

Invasive Plant Removal in Rock Creek Park, Chevy Chase

Tree Planting in Rock Creek Park, Chevy Chase, MD

Sponsoring Organization: Savage River Watershed Association

Leaders: Ron Boyer & Liz McDowell

Dates and Times: check for dates next Spring

Battling "Botanical Bullies" in the Bear Pen Wildlands

Adult volunteers are needed to continue control efforts of Japanese spiraea in the Bear Pen Run area of Savage River State Forest. Bear Pen is designated as a Type 1 Wildland and like other natural areas around the State is threatened by a variety of exotic invasive species. Kerrie Kyde, Invasive Plant Specialist with the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, is providing technical support. Wade Dorsey, Savage River State Forest acting manager, is providing work tools. Mary Ironside, Big Run & New Germany State Park manager, is providing free camping the night before for any out-of-town volunteers. The Savage River Watershed Association is coordinating the project and providing snacks and drinks for volunteers.

For more details or to volunteer: E-mail Savage River Watershed Association at SRWAcoordinator@gmail.com or call Ron Boyer, SRWA invasive species removal coordinator, at 301-895-3686.

Sponsoring Organizations: Friends of Sligo Creek, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Leader: Sally Gagne

Dates: Please visit www.fosc.org/RIPEventSched.htm for dates

Friends of Sligo Creek (FOSC) has launched RIP, its Removing Invasive Plants Project. RIP is an all-out effort to remove the invasive vines and shrubs in Sligo Creek. We will gradually build a corps of residents to come out for regular organized events in each section of the park. We welcome anyone who would like to take part in the fun! All Friends of Sligo Creek plant removal activities are done under the auspices of the Parks Department.

Impromptu events in several sections are planned for late Winter to Spring. From mid-April to mid-June we will work on removing all garlic mustard. For a schedule, see http://www.fosc.org/RIPEventSched.htm. Sites are between New Hampshire Avenue and Arcola Avenue.

Bring: Gloves, tools, and water or we will provide.

Contact: Sally Gagne, 301-588-2071 or rip@fosc.org.

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Leader: Chris Garrett, M-NCPPC Park Ranger

Dates: Ongoing, contact Park Ranger Office below for dates and times

Manual removal of honeysuckle and multiflora rose using shovels, pruners and perseverance. Come and help preserve this unique rare magnolia bog habitat.

Directions: From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 7A (Branch Avenue), toward Waldorf. Take Route 5 south. Take the Allentown Road exit. Make a left onto Allentown Road. Stay on Allentown Road through five lights. Turn left onto Suitland Road at the 6th light. Follow Suitland Road until it passes under Suitland Parkway. The entrance to the Suitland Bog is to the right. Meet in the parking lot.

Bring: Water, work boots, durable clothes, long sleeves, gloves, pruners, and shovels.

Note: Light refreshments will be provided. There is some poison ivy at the work site.

Contact: Christopher Garrett or John Dillon, M-NCPPC Park Ranger Office, 301-627-7755.

Sponsoring Organizations: Montgomery County Sierra Club and Montgomery County Parks

Leader: Jeremy Arling

Dates and Times: Second Saturday of each month, 10am - 12pm

We are partnering with Montgomery County Parks to remove non-native invasive plant species, restore the native plant communities, and create a living history museum where people can learn the fascinating stories of those who escaped slavery and the people who helped.

Location: 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD

Bring/Wear: Tools are limited so please bring clippers, saws, and loppers. Long sleeves, pants, gloves, comfortable walking shoes or boots, and water are recommended.

More Info: For a trail map and more information, go to http://www.mc-mncppc.org/parks/ppsd/parktrails/trails_MAPS/Rural_legacy.shtm and http://maryland.sierraclub.org/montgomery/calendar.html..

Directions: Take Rt. 28E (Norbeck Road) across Georgia Ave. to the intersection with Layhill Road. Go left on Layhill and proceed to the intersection of Norwood and Ednor Roads. Go left on Norwood. Take the first driveway on the right at 16501 Norwood Road. We will meet at the parking lot near the picnic tables.

Contact: RSVP Jeremy Arling at jeremy.arling@maryland.sierraclub.org or 240-398-3635.

Sponsoring Organization: Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)

WSSC is doing invasive weed removal projects in Prince George's, Montgomery and Howard Counties at their recreation areas along the Patuxent. WSSC provides training, gloves and garden snippers. All invasive weed removal projects are from 9am to noon. Locations include:

• Brighton Dam (Montgomery County)
• Browns Bridge Recreation Area (Montgomery County)
• Greenbridge Recreation Area (Montgomery County)
• Pigtail Recreation Area (Howard County)
• Scott's Cove (Howard County)
• Supplee Lane Recreation Area (Prince George's County)
• Triadelphia Recreation Area (Montgomery County)

Check the calendar or chapter pages for events in the above areas.

More Information: Kim Knox, WSSC's Community Outreach Manager, (301) 206-8233, kknox@wsscwater.com.

Sponsoring Organization: Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

Leader: John Dillon, M-NCPPC Park Ranger

Dates and Times: Ongoing. Contact Park Ranger Office below for dates and times.

Watkins Regional Park covers more than 850 acres, and offers all kinds of outdoor adventures. The park is also home to the Watkins Nature Center, the Chesapeake Carousel, Old Maryland Farm, the Watkins Regional Park miniature train, and the Watkins Miniature Golf Course. Recreational amenities include 34 campsites at the park campgrounds, picnic areas with shelters, playgrounds, comfort stations, a paved, 1.7 mile circuitous hiker/biker trail, and several miles of trails through deciduous forest for hiking and biking.

Weed Warrior Work Day

Manual removal of the non-native invasive weed Garlic Mustard.

Location: Watkins Nature Center at Watkins Regional Park, Prince George's County. Meet at Watkins Nature Center parking lot.

Directions: Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in Watkins Regional Park, one mile west of the Six Flags America amusement park.
From the Capital Beltway (I-495), take Exit 15A (Central Avenue) east. Continue for approximately three miles. Turn right onto Watkins Park Drive (Route 193) and follow the park signs to the facility.
From Route 301, turn onto Central Avenue (Route 214) west. Continue for approximately three miles (past Six Flags America). Turn left onto Watkins Park Drive and follow to the park entrance on the right.

Bring/Wear: Water, work boots, durable clothes, long sleeves and gloves.

Note: Light refreshments will be provided. There is some poison ivy at work site.

Contact: M-NCPPC Rangers John Dillon or Chris Garrett, M-NCPPC Park Ranger Office, 301-627-7755.

Sponsoring Organization: Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks

A new stand of Purple Loosetrife was discovered at Western Regional Park last year and volunteers are needed to tackle the problem!

Contact: Sue Muller, smuller@howardcountymd.gov, 410-313-4697.

Sponsoring Organization: Audubon Naturalist Society

Dates and Times: Second Saturdays, monthly, between 9:00 am – noon.

Woodend, the ANS' original sanctuary, is a 40-acre oasis in the middle of Chevy Chase, MD. Bordering Rock Creek Park, the sanctuary contains mature woods and meadows, a pond, and an intermittent stream that provide habitat for many birds, insects, deer, rabbits, and foxes.

The Audubon Naturalist Society needs your help to remove invasive non-native plants from its Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD! Join us for group work sessions where training will be provided. Trained volunteers may also be authorized to work independently.

Location: 8940 Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

Contact: Liz Jones, Volunteer Coordinator: volunteer@audubonnaturalist.org or 301-652-9188 x30 for details and current schedule and to sign up.

More information: Web site: www.audubonnaturalist.org/cgi-bin/mesh/sanctuaries/woodend_md