Weed Warriors Tackle Invasive Species

The Greenbelt Forest Stewardship Project launched its first Weed Warriors invasive species removal volunteer program this summer. The initial Weed Warriors program successfully achieved the mission of the Greenbelt Forest Stewardship Project in providing knowledge and care of our remnant woods.

Weed Warriors learned the value of hard work and teamwork as they volunteered together under the hot sun every Wednesday in July. Over 20 high school and college-aged volunteers from Greenbelt, College Park, Beltsville, and D.C. were trained on how to identify and remove invasive species from Buddy Attick Park. Together, they contributed over 140 hours of community service-learning activities aimed at protecting and restoring our public lands.

The most common invasive species targeted by Weed Warriors included Oriental bittersweet, Porcelainberry, Japanese honeysuckle Multiflora rose, and English ivy. Many of these invasive species were introduced as ornamentals, and Weed Warriors learned about the importance of planting and protecting native plants instead of nonnative ones. Thanks to the Weed Warriors, over three dump trucks and 26 large bags were filled with invasive species and removed from Buddy Attick Park.