Join us at Wardsville Woods on November 3rd to clean up Autumn Olive and other invasive shrubbery from the restored butterfly meadow. Please RSVP below to secure your spot!

Photo: A large Autumn Olive shrub, by Daria Koscinski

What is Autumn Olive anyway?

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) was introduced to North America from Asia in the early 1800s and has been planted everywhere from gardens to mine reclamation sites. Unfortunately, this prolific, hardy, and resilient shrubs has escaped its planting locations and spread far and wide into natural areas across Eastern North America. It has become very problematic in meadow habitats, where it can quickly spread and form dense thickets that crowd out all other vegetation and reduce biodiversity of insects, birds, and wildlife.

So, let's abolish the Autumn Olive at Wardsville Woods

Over the past couple of years, we've been removing Autumn Olive from the butterfly meadow at Wardsville Woods. Our goal is to prevent an infestation and conserve the meadow community that supports native birds, pollinators, and biodiversity. We have a small patch left to finish off. At this event, we will be hand pulling Autumn Olive seedlings and small plants. For larger plants, we will cut at the base and apply herbicide to the cut stump (herbicide will only be applied by a licensed exterminator).

What you need to know about this event

• This event is subject to COVID-19 guidelines at the time. Please ensure that you practice social distancing and masking. Passing the COVID-19 screening questionnaire and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be mandatory to attend the event.
• There are no washroom facilities at Wardsville Woods, so please plan accordingly. The West Lorne On Route on Highway 401 is probably the closest available washroom. 
• Hand pulling Autumn Olive requires you to bend or stoop and some level of physical strength to pull the plants out of the ground.
• This event will take place primarily off-trail in meadow habitat, where we may encounter ticks. Be sure to check for ticks before leaving the site and once you get home. More info on ticks is available here.
• The meadow is also full of seeds and they will stick to your clothing. Smooth materials such as rubber boots and rain jacket/pants will be much easier to keep seed free. Otherwise, be sure to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

What to bring

• Please bring your own work gloves if you can, although TTLT will provide them if needed. TTLT will provide all the other equipment that's needed.
• Wear appropriate footwear such as hiking shoes/boots, rubber boots, or other sturdy, ideally waterproof shoes. You might encounter uneven and wet terrain.
• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear, warm clothing, bugspray, and anything else you need to be comfortable outside.