Faith-based teen group helps with eradication of multi-flora rose

By Rachel Orwan on Nov 11, 2009

On June 29, 2009 biological technicians on the Wayne and 15 teenage volunteers cleared Wildcat Hollow trail and surrounding forest of non-native invasive species.

On June 29, 2009 biological technicians on the Wayne National Forest led 15 teenage volunteers through a 1.75 mile section of the Wildcat Hollow trail. The volunteers helped clear the trail and surrounding forest of non-native invasive species including multi-flora rose, bush honeysuckle and Japanese barberry.

Through this field experience the kids learned first-hand how invasive species can alter a forest and take over a trail. And even though the work was difficult and the thorns were numerous, the kids showed great enthusiasm for ripping out the invasives. They used shovels, pruners, pulaskis and elbow grease to remove the invading shrubs.

Along the way, Wayne folks pointed out and described many of the desirable species that occur along the trail.

Community members that hosted the youth contacted Cheryl Coon (Forest Botanist)and expressed interest in completing a service project related to invasives. The youth were visiting the area for a faith-based volunteer retreat and hailed from cities including Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh.