August 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 August, we have scheduled three separate volunteer events happening at Kickapoo Caverns, Sugar Creek Bluff SNA, and La Crosse Blufflands (Kaplan tract). Join us outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather as you make a direct impact on important local habitat at these protected properties.
SIGN UP: https://forms.office.com/r/r73f4LYFXn
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Friday, August 9
Brush Removal @ Kickapoo Caverns
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, August 14
Fire Break Construction @ Sugar Creek Bluff SNA
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday, August 24
Brush Removal @ La Crosse Blufflands (Kaplan)
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 brush is 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 honeysuckle and buckthorn 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, invading plant species weaken the entire ecosystem.
Creating fire breaks prepare the forest for a burn over the winter months. These fires clear the way for native habitats to emerge and thrive. They also help Conservancy staff and volunteers stay safe while conducting prescribed burns.
What you will do: Volunteers will work with our team of land managers to remove invasive brush and create fire breaks in preparation for future burns at the site. These efforts will make a big difference for native species in the Driftless Area.
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.
Sign up at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/r73f4LYFXn or contact Payton by email with questions. He'll send out final information a day or two before the activity date.