June 2024 Volunteer for the Wild!
Mississippi Valley Conservancy is thankful for you and all of the amazing volunteers who help us conserve and restore the Driftless Area. We could not do it without you.
In June, we have scheduled three separate volunteer events happening at Sugar Creek Bluff the Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area properties. Join us outside and enjoy the warm spring weather as you make a direct impact on important local habitat at these protected properties.
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Wednesday, June 12
Invasive Weed Pull @ Sugar Creek Bluff SNA - near Ferryville
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday, June 25
Invasive Weed Pull @ Sugar Creek Bluff SNA - near Ferryville
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 29
Invasive Weed Pull @ Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area - near La Farge
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Contact Payton by email with questions or to sign up. He'll send out final information a day or two before the activity date.
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Why is this work important?
Invasives like sweet clover, garlic mustard and crown vetch are a threat to the biodiversity (the variety of life on Earth and in a habitat) of many native ecosystems.
Invasives gain a foothold in fields and forests by emerging earlier than many native plants. By the time native species are ready to grow, plants like garlic mustard have blocked their sunlight and outcompeted them for moisture and vital nutrients.
This advantage is only strengthened as climate change continues to alter seasons faster than native plants can adapt. Invasive species that crowd out forest ecosystems inhibit trees from growing.
Because the understory of a forest is so important for insects and other species at the bottom of the food chain, invaders like sweet clover, garlic mustard and crown vetch can weaken the entire ecosystem. Further, garlic mustard’s roots release chemicals that alter the important underground network of fungi that connect nutrients between native plants, inhibiting the growth of important species like trees.
Fortunately for us, we have options to rid ourselves of these pests.
What you will do: Volunteers will work with our team of land managers in order to learn the difference between invasives and native species and work to remove the invasives to allow for more room for natives.
Learning Opportunities:
As a bonus to knowing you are making a difference by improving habitat, you can also learn to identify and eradicate invasive species. Let us know if you are interested in learning more about habitat management techniques, prescribed burn planning, and equipment operation and we will help you learn the skills you will need to make a difference on other tracts of property.
The more time you spend on the nature preserves, the more opportunities you have to learn to identify native plants and witness the beauty of the habitats you are helping to protect.
Contact Payton by email with questions or to sign up. He'll send out final information a day or two before the activity date.