Today we spent time tending the land, with a Wild West twist! Sheriff Wood (that’s Josh) handed out wanted posters for a few outlaws (invasive plants, to be precise). Barbara Berry and Colonel Garlic Mustard were wanted dead or alive—but preferably dead.
These plants (Barberry and Garlic Mustard) are highly invasive and tend to outcompete the native species and reduce diversity in the ecological community, from plants on up! Sheriff Wood highlighted the importance of tending the land and the long legacy of ecological stewardship by First Nations people. “Pilgrims like me got a lot to learn,” he added.
We spent the morning “rounding up” these invasives and the Fishers teamed up to plant a round living Willow structure as well! They also “lassoed” a Honeysuckle bush and all “tug-o-war’ed” it out of the ground! The groups enjoyed some games and exploration in the afternoon and the Minks also made folded Pine bark boats to float down the stream. All groups cooled off in the stream at various points as well.
To close the day, we gathered in the field for a grand burning of the Garlic Mustard, Barberry and Honeysuckle, lest it get away and take root!
—The FOREST Staff, May 19, 2021