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Buckthorn Bust

Mick with cut BuckthornJoin us at Five Points Forest on December 5th for a Buckthorn Bust! Please RSVP below to secure your spot.

What is a Buckthorn Bust you ask?

Buckthorn is a non-native invasive species that forms extensive thickets out-competing native plants and altering soil chemistry. We need to bust them out of Five Points Forest! How will you know which one of the plants is a buckthorn? By December our native trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves or the leaves have turned yellow/orange/red. Buckthorn keeps glossy dark green leaves well into the fall. TTLT volunteers will be more than happy to help you with identification so feel free to ask questions.

The event will include pulling out young seedlings by hand and larger seedlings with weed wrenches. Help us create space for native species to flourish! 

 

 

 

 

What you need to know about this event

  • Due to COVID-19, we will be practicing physical distancing at this event, meaning you should stay at least 2m away from anyway who isn't in your household. Since the event is outdoors, masks are not required, but feel free to wear one if you prefer.
  • There are no washroom facilities at Five Points Forest, so please plan accordingly.
  • Hand pulling Buckthorn requires you to bend or stoop and some level of physical strength to pull the plants out of the ground.
  • This event may take you off-trail into meadow and forest habitat. Although it is later in the year, there is still a chance you could encounter ticks. Be sure to check for ticks before leaving the site and once you get home. More info on ticks is available here.
  • Fall is also seed season and seeds 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 other equipment.
  • 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.

Questions?

If you have any questions, requests, or special needs, please feel free to reach out to us at the contact info below.

Photo: TTLT Volunteer after cutting down a massive Buckthorn, by Rebecca Launchbury

WHEN
December 05, 2020 at 10:00am - 1pm
WHERE
Five Points Forest
4975 Robinson Rd
Putnam, ON N0L 2B0
Canada
Google map and directions
CONTACT
Rebecca Launchbury · · 519-858-3442

Will you come?