The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge are seeking volunteers to help remove invasive plants and repair damage to young trees on the refuge over the next few weeks.
Crews are needed, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on May 14 and May 18. Volunteers are asked to gather at the River S kiosk south of Ridgefield. They’ll remove scotch broom, yellow water iris and slender-flowered thistle, using techniques including digging, pulling and cutting. They’ll also repair tubes that protect seedlings from mice and other rodents.
Those volunteering are advised to wear waterproof shoes and dress for the weather.
“We do invasive plant work year-round, but mostly April through October, during the growing season,” said Lynn Cornelius, habitat restoration coordinator for Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. “Volunteers are what make this part of the restoration work possible. We do have equipment operators to mow the grass fields for dusky Canada geese.”
Not only is the work of volunteers valuable in its own right, Cornelius said, but it’s valued at $20 an hour when obtaining grants from public and private sources.
