TSD SSAB Members Pull Weeds at Nature Center

Superintendent Student Advisory Board (SSAB) Pulls Weeds at Stage Nature Center

Members of the TSD Superintendent Student Advisory Board (SSAB) gave up some of their Saturday afternoon to volunteer at the Stage Nature Center, pulling up invasive "Buckthorn" plants that are growing out of control.

“Buckthorn is a particularly invasive species of non-native grass, that not only crowds out other grasses, but by doing so deprives animals of a food source,” said Stage Assistant Naturalist Christina Funk. “It’s particularly hard to get a handle on, requires gloves and must be pulled up with the root intact—a very time-consuming process.”

SSAB to the rescue---a dozen students from this leadership group cleared an impressive section of land during their three hours at the nature center. SSAB member (and newly elected Athens’ Student Government president for next school year) Maddie Purvis reflected: “Just looking out over the landscape and seeing all these weeds was overwhelming. I’m glad we could help, but there is so much more to do!” Stage Executive Director Carla Reeb was grateful for their time and energy. “This is hard work, bending and pulling. We were so happy to have the students working with us--they made a difference and helped us make a dent!”

There is more buckthorn to be pulled, and more work to be done this year at the Nature Center. The next opportunity to volunteer in this capacity is Saturday, May 5. If you, either as a solo volunteer or with a group, wish to help, contact the Nature Center at 248-688-9703, or visit www.stagenaturecenter.org.

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Photos courtesy of the Troy School District

Pile, weeds and kids

Root, kids digging weeds up by the root

SSAB Kids at Nature Center L to R: Fatina Albeez, Maddie Purvis, Chris Levy, Clark Joslin, Jacklyn Hermiz, Noah Scudder, Tori Zarbaugh

SSAB Kids2: L to R: Fatina Albeez, Maddie Purvis, Clark Joslin, Tori Zarbaugh, Chris Levy