This is a volunteer event that needs as many hands as possible! It will be led by Rachel Cheatham-McFadden and Emma Hovencamp. We will use hand and power tools to remove invasive species (non-native honey suckle, buckthorn, etc.) and some additional brush to open up the hedgerow at Jackson Woods in support of grassland bird habitat.
This event is suitable for volunteers of all ages, but dogs should not attend due to use of power tools.
Itinerary: We will meet at Jackson Woods at 2:30PM. We’ll begin our program with a quick check-in for introductions and a safety chat. Then, we will make our way across the field (about 0.3 miles) to the hedgerow. We will identify what needs to be removed, establish a burn pile, and then get to work on removal. Some volunteers will use tools while others will simply move downed wood from one location to another. The last thirty minutes of this event will be for clean up, socialization, and fireside chats.
What to bring: Water, snacks, and perhaps a thermos with a hot drink since we will be working outdoors in the snow! Dress in layers, including hats, gloves, and warm socks. Bring appropriate footwear, such as hiking or rubber boots. Microspikes or snowshoes may be helpful for the walk across the field. Bring work gloves, loppers, hand saws, pruning tools if you have them. If not, please let Rachel know and she will provide some for you. If you have access to a brushcutter and/or chainsaw, please bring those tools as well. We ask that anyone using a chainsaw has taken a saw-safety course and wears appropriate PPE.
To participate, sign up for this free event through Skowhegan Outdoors or email Rachel directly (rachel@somersetwoodstrustees.org). We ask that all participants RSVP.
