Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) is hosting its third invasive species removal project on Friday, March 29 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
This project was started in the spring of 2012 with a small group of AmeriCorps Project Conserve members, community volunteers and FENCE staff.
Exotic invasive species, originally planted as ornamental plants in gardens, often escape into native habitats causing havoc. Invasive plant species choke out native plant species and decrease biodiversity.
FENCE’s second invasive removal day on March 19 was such a success that we decided to host another removal day. FENCE had 13 community members join its small staff to remove privet, Japanese honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, English ivy and trumpet vine from half of an acre of our Wildwood trail.
The organization is seeking community members interested in helping continue work on the trail. FENCE will supply equipment and supplies needed for the project, but volunteers can bring any personal gardening tools and gloves that they wish to use. Lunch and refreshments will be provided free of charge for all volunteers.
If you are interested in participating in this project, contact Kristy Burja, AmeriCorps nature education assistant, at 828-859-9021 ext. 13 or education@fence.org.
The Kirby Endowment through the Polk County Community Foundation has made the removal project possible.

– article submitted by Kristy Burja