Typically by the time late fall rolls around in Maryland, I have already started my proverbial hibernation and seem to be permanently placed under layers of blankets. Fortunately for my metabolism’s sake, it seems that this year may turn out a bit differently for me. No longer will I be cuddling up with a hot coffee on a brisk morning, but rather donning my work gloves and hiking boots and heading out to traipse through the woods and remove some nasty invasive plants.
When my invasive plant removal internship started in August, it was clear that I would be doing plenty of sweating. The heat and humidity resulted in some incredibly nasty socks, but I absolutely loved pulling that Japanese stiltgrass and wavyleaf basketgrass1 from the warm soil that radiated the earthy smell of humus. It was always amazing to me how relaxing and therapeutic the whole process of invasive plant removal was. I mean, you’re telling me I get to walk around the beautiful deciduous forests of the eastern seaboard, get dirty and enjoy the warm weather, and help save the environment all while feeling good about myself for volunteering? Sign me up!
As well as the warm-weather outings treated me, I have to admit that I was wary of going out to invasive removals in the colder weather. For full disclosure though, I am wary of the months of December, January and February in general. Additionally with the change in weather comes a change in focus on species for removal, so I will have the opportunity to learn about more problem species of the area and the best ways to remove them. All more to add to my knowledge artillery for my personal fight against invasives! Whereas the warm growing months of April to November require that removal efforts be concentrated on Japanese stiltgrass (and more recently wavyleaf basketgrass), different plants get the brunt of removal efforts during the chillier times of year. Plants like the ever-creeping English ivy and the deceivingly cute periwinkle are removed in order to make way for native wintering species such as the adorable partridgeberry and the evergreen eastern red cedar.
The fight against nonnative invasive plant species truly is a year-round battle. Although volunteers come out in force for sunny, 70° removal days, we at the Sierra Club would like to invite you all to experience a cold-weather removal. Come out wearing long sleeves, long pants, and gloves, and be ready to help return a little piece of Maryland to its natural state. Check out the Chapter Calendar on our website in order to find an upcoming invasive removal near you, or feel free to email Christin Knesel, Stewardship Outings Intern, at stewardship.outings[@]mdsierra.org.
Above, volunteers help pull and bag highly invasive Japanese stiltgrass.
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) and wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus hirtellus spp. undulatifolius) are two of Maryland’s most common invasive species. They are best pulled during the late spring to summer months, before they have started seeding. These species cause much environmental heartache, most notably of which that the presence of stiltgrass doubles rates of runoff.