By Mary McLean
Thanks to four volunteers, we cleared invasive plants from the edge of the Sycamore and Lee Highway on Nov. 17. This project is part of Arlington County sponsored Habitat Restoration. Master Naturalist, Melanie La Force, is working on her own to remove porcelain berry and English Ivy on the Sycamore Road side of Tuckahoe. Say “hello” if you pass her some morning.
My current focus (besides trash) is the ground ivy that threatens to overwhelm the flowering native plants put in the park by Eagle Scout Jacob Heidig.
ARMN members can earn volunteers hours helping with Tuckahoe Park Habitat Restoration, sponsored by Arlington County, RIP- Remove Invasive Plants, and ARMN. Volunteers meet in front of Tuckahoe Elementary School at 10 am every 3rd Saturday of each month. All ages are welcome, but adult presence is required for volunteers under 16. To participate, contact: Sarah Archer sarcher@arlingtonva.us or Mary McLean marydmclean@verizon.net.
On Saturday, Dec. 15, I’m offering a discussion and demonstration on leading a hike in Tuckahoe Park. The theme is “Dangerous Plants, Discover the dangerous plants in Tuckahoe Park.” We will also discuss the protocols for priorities of invasive removal and observe the evidence of the successes of invasive removal and natural regeneration.
After the hike, we will put our knowledge and muscles to work removing Bush Honeysuckle using a weed wrench. Those not “wrenching” will use the Tree Steward’s guide to English Ivy removal on trees.
Saturday, Dec. 15 at Tuckahoe Park, Arlington (near East Falls Church Metro)
8:30-9:00 am – Discussion: “How to lead a hike”
9:00-9:45 am – Hike & Discussion: “Dangerous Plants”
10 am – Habitat Restoration: weed wrenching and tree ivy removal