The Oconee County Parks and Recreation Department and the Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission, in partnership with Athens Land Trust and Kel-Mac Saddle Club, will host Invasive Species Plant Removal Work Days at Heritage Park this fall and winter. Work days will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., weather permitting, on the following dates:
· October 25
· November 8, 22
· December 6, 20
· January 3, 16, 31
· February 7, 20
Volunteers and staff will work to remove Autumn Olive, a plant that is crowding out native species and causing ecological harm to the local forest and its inhabitants. No training or experience is necessary to participate in this work day. Volunteers will be trained in identification and removal of invasive plant species, and tools will be provided.
“Removing invasive plants helps to restore natural habitats that are critical in ensuring the diversity of our native plants and animals,” said Parks & Recreation Director Lisa Davol. “In parks and recreation, we strive to protect open spaces by ensuring they stay in their natural state. We appreciate all our volunteers that help us take care of our parks for all to enjoy!”
“Partnerships like this one allow us to not only make an impressive difference in invasives removal,” said Keep Oconee County Beautiful Executive Director Cindy Pritchard, “but also allow for an educational opportunity on the detrimental effects that invasives have on our environment.”
Registration is required for this event. For more information or to register online, visit www.oconeecounty.com/heritagepark. Heritage Park is located at 2543 Macon Highway, Watkinsville.
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