Open your mind with an educational hike, or stretch your legs at one of our volunteer workdays. Join us and see how everyone – especially you – can make an impact.
Our Woody Warriors are getting closer to our goal of “closing the loop”- covering the entire work area of our volunteer invasive species management project at Meadowbrook. We’re working to control unwelcome plants that crowd our Accessible trail and the area within the loop. After last year’s volunteer campaign along the trail, ecologically significant native species began filling in the open areas left by the removal of invasives. Bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, autumn olive, burning bush, and round-leaf bittersweet have given way to spicebush, cut-leaved toothwort and various woodland grasses. It’s fulfilling to be a part of this renewal and to watch the habitat’s recovery in real time. We’re working through that area again, ensuring that native plants continue to strengthen their foothold there. We could use your help!
** If weather conditions prohibit us from working along the trail, we’ll clean seeds inside the office instead! **
Volunteer Renée Hovanec snips a bittersweet vine near the ground during a recent Meadowbrook Monday.
Two large round-leaf bittersweet stems growing just off the trail await treatment after being cut.
Be prepared to work outside and dress appropriately for the weather. Conditions on the workday may be wet and will likely be chilly. Volunteer workdays are held in all types of weather, although if conditions become hazardous during or leading into the workday, we may be forced to cancel abruptly. Your safety is our first concern! We will provide all the necessary equipment, gear, light snacks, and water. We encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle!
So that we can best plan for Meadowbrook Monday, please RSVP through the website form below. Question? Call the office at 219-242-8558 or email volunteer@heinzetrust.org.
Please fill out the online Volunteer Application prior to attending. We will also have hard copies for you at this volunteer event. Stop by to lend a hand and chat with our staff about other opportunities that can flex your skills and fulfill your interests!
