Join us at Meadowlily Nature Preserve on February 10th for a Buckthorn Bust and Invasive Shrub ID Workshop!
Please RSVP below to secure your spot.

What is a Buckthorn Bust you ask?

Buckthorn is a non-native invasive species that alters soil chemistry and forms extensive thickets out-competing native plants. We need to bust them out of Meadowlily Nature Preserve! Help us create space for native species to flourish.

The event will primarily include pulling out young seedlings by hand and larger seedlings with weed wrenches. Depending on weather conditions and trunk sizes, a few designated people may be using hand saws and herbicides. 

But wait, it's winter! How will you know which plants are Buckthorn?

TTLT staff will provide training on winter shrub ID at the event. While our primary focus will be Buckthorn, we also plan to remove invasive shrubby Honeysuckles. Both Buckthorn and shrubby Honeysuckles have distinctive features in winter that set them apart from native shrubs and trees. We will be more than happy to help you with identification so feel free to ask questions. If you would like to practice beforehand, Buckthorn and Honeysuckle ID pages are hyperlinked here.

What you need to know about this event

• There are no washroom facilities at Meadowlily Nature Preserve, so please plan accordingly.
• Hand pulling Buckthorn and Honeysuckle requires you to bend or stoop. Some level of physical strength is needed to pull the plants out of the ground.
• Winter weather can be unpredictable. Mud, ice, snow, and wind are all possible conditions. Make sure to check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly. We will provide an update about the expected weather conditions a day or two prior to the event.
• This event may take you off-trail into meadow 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.
• Due to the potential use of herbicides and sharp tools, this event is not suitable for children.

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 winter boots, hiking boots, rubber boots, or other sturdy, ideally waterproof shoes. You might encounter uneven and wet terrain.
• Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, waterproof outerwear, warm clothing, 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.

Photos by Quinten Wiegersma (left) and Daniel Cahen (right). 
Retrieved from iNaturalist and adapted using Imgflip.

Quinten Wiegersma: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/37166253

Daniel Cahen: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/72035552