Rescheduled due to rain and possible thunder storms!
Want to learn more about how to reduce the spread of certain quick-growing plants without using chemicals that pose risks to pollinators and to soil health?
On Wednesday, June 15, from 9-11AM, join the Chocorua Lake Conservancy for a morning of camaraderie, exercise, and invasive plant control at the Brown Lot across from Chocorua Lake. Our volunteer stewards will be learning to identify some common invasive plants and how to remove and control those that might otherwise out-compete native shrubs.
Bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry and knotweed are all considered invasive plants in New England: plants introduced in the US as ornamentals that in some environments can grow abundantly, disburse large quantities of fruits or seeds, and often grow from underground root systems. Invasive plants can grow so thick in some places that they take over habitat normally available to native shrubs that provide cover and food for wildlife.
Our work at the Brown Lot will focus on non-native bittersweet, where large vines have made their way into the canopy of some of the larger trees. We’ll be cutting vines and the low growth in an attempt to keep the vines at bay. Young leaves are just emerging, which makes identification and finding them easier! Japanese barberry is also present and we’ll tackle that as we come across it in the understory. Any herbalists looking for a non-endangered source of berberine are welcome to come join us in our efforts and take some barberry root home! This is a continuing project after receiving Natural Resources Conservation Service cost-share funding to help with efforts.
The CLC owns the Brown Lot, an undeveloped property located across Rt. 16 from the lake. Working to limit the spread of invasive plants there helps to reduce the chances these species will spread to the lakeshore. Bring work gloves and your favorite clippers if you have them, water and a snack. We will have some tools available if needed. Be prepared for bugs and ticks just in case. Meet at The Island public access area on the lake, right off of Route 16. Feel free to come for all or some of the morning. Please email events@chocorualake.org with your name and phone number to let us know you will be coming so that we can let you know of any changes in the schedule.
Naturalist Lynne Flaccus has 30+ years of experience in land conservation and stewardship, managing protected properties, studying wildlife, and educating adults and children.
Banner image: Young bittersweet in springtime. Photo: Juno Lamb