FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE
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HABITAT RESTORATION PROGRESS By Ken Himes The heavy rains earlier this year have fueled many of the noxious weeds at Edgewood. This year we’ve noticed more Italian thistle, Carduus pycnocephalus, than ever before. However, our volunteers have come out in record numbers, and despite the increased weed coverage, we will complete more Italian thistle sites this year than last year. In May we logged over 500 volunteer hours, about a 45% increase over last May. Our year-to-date total is 1378 hours, well ahead of last year. Our relationship with Carlmont High School continues to be favorable. The kids get community service hours and, together with their parents, have helped with much of the weed removal during April and May. Looking ahead, June is the month that we shift our attention from Italian thistle to yellow star-thistle, Centaurea solstitialis. These plants have already begun to bolt, and Parks & Rec will be mowing them in certain locations. The optimal time to mow is when approximately 5% of the plants have flowered. At that time the plants in general have expended maximum energy in growing, and they have difficulty recovering from the mowing. Edgewood is one of the most pristine parks in the County parks system, thanks to our dedicated volunteers. It’s easy to join us. Crews go out every Wednesday evening at 5:30 during the summer, every Friday morning at 8:30, and occasional Saturdays. You don’t need any training or tools, just a desire to help preserve Edgewood’s natural habitats. For details on how to get involved, call me or email John Allen at jcakwa@earthlink.net. You can also consult http://edgewood.thinkersrus.net. Thanks to all those who have volunteered in the past. See you at Edgewood. |
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