Collecting and Planting Live Stakes: Help Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge staff and interns collect and process cuttings from native shrubs, and learn the ins and outs of this restoration/plant propagation technique. Two groups will be collecting cuttings from shrubby willow and dogwood species on refuge properties in Scarborough and York. Plan to meet at Willey Field in Scarborough or near Highland Farm Preserve in York.
Wednesday, April 19th- Collect and process live stake cuttings. Gloves, pruning shears, and loppers provided. Expect damp/wet areas and light bushwacking. Waterproof footwear recommended.
Thursday, April 20th- Help plant cuttings at sites in Wells and Scarborough. Gloves and hand tools provided. Again, expect some damp/wet areas and light bushwacking. Waterproof footwear recommended.
Garlic Mustard Pull at Cutts Island in Kittery Point: Join Refuge staff and interns in hand-pulling invasive garlic mustard on Rachel Carson property near Seapoint Beach in Kittery Point. Garlic mustard is an easy and satisfying invasive to pull, so come out to help protect rare plants and New England cottontail habitat as we cruise into Earth Day 2023!
Friday, April 21st- Gloves will be provided, plan to meet in Kittery near the Cutts Island Trail/Seapoint Beach parking for a short walk to the site. Expect some damp areas, minimal bushwacking, and bending/stooping to hand-pull invasive plants.
Please RSVP by replying to colin_mckevitt@fws.gov with the any dates you are interested in attending, and please feel free to direct any questions or concerns to the same email address. Colin will be sending out a final update and more detailed instructions towards the end of the week preceding the events to everyone that replies- fingers crossed for some nice spring weather!