HUNTSVILLE — If you’ve ever had a yearning to wrangle some weeds, then your opportunity is right around the corner.
The Land Trust of North Alabama and Wild Ones North Alabama are partnering to host the Weed Wrangle at Chapman Mountain from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
A Weed Wrangle is a one-day, area-wide volunteer effort aimed at rescuing public parks and green spaces from non-native invasive plants through hands-on removal. Guided by an expert in invasive plant management, participants will gain essential skills in identifying and controlling invasive species while helping to maintain the health of local ecosystems.
“The plants we grow in our gardens don’t stay in our gardens,” said Charles Pannell, chapter president of Wild Ones North Alabama. “All of the invasive species we will remove from Chapman Mountain were introduced to Alabama as garden ornamentals and most are still sold in garden centers.
“We hope everyone who participates in the Weed Wrangle will take their knowledge home, tell everyone they know, and remove these disastrous invasive plants from their home landscapes to protect our nature preserves, public lands and native ecosystems.”
The Chapman Mountain Weed Wrangle will primarily target bush honeysuckle, Chinese privet, and English ivy.
Volunteers will participate in a brief training session covering invasive plant identification and best control practices. Working together, volunteers will cut and stump-treat invasive plants to prevent regrowth.
“Invasive plants threaten the health of our natural areas by disrupting energy flows and diminishing food supplies critical to local wildlife,” said Andy Prewett, land manager at the Land Trust of North Alabama. “The Weed Wrangle is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn how they can make a real difference by restoring native landscapes.”
Volunteer Information:
- Who: Open to individuals aged 16 and older
- What: Invasive plant removal at Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve
- When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve
- Volunteers Needed: 30 to 40
- Registration Required
Participants should come prepared for vigorous physical activity. Recommended items include sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves, long pants, gardening gloves, eye protection, a hat, bug spray, and gardening tools (such as loppers, pruning saws, and clippers).
The Land Trust will provide specialty tools and buckthorn blasters.
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