Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at the Pursell Preserve for juniper forest preservation. Juniper forests provide tremendous cover from disturbances and severe weather. An abundance of berries also provides a reliable food source for winter birds. This habitat is transitory and eventually gives way to taller growing hardwoods. We, however, would like to preserve this valuable habitat and will be cutting out and ringing hardwood trees that are shading out the junipers. Downed trees will…

Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at the Pursell Preserve for juniper forest preservation. Juniper forests provide tremendous cover from disturbances and severe weather. An abundance of berries also provides a reliable food source for winter birds. This habitat is transitory and eventually gives way to taller growing hardwoods. We, however, would like to preserve this valuable habitat and will be cutting out and ringing hardwood trees that are shading out the junipers. Same as last…

Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at the Russell-Mandel Preserve for invasive plant management. Forested riparian buffers stabilize stream banks, reduce erosion and sedimentation, filter runoff, regulate water temperature, and moderate flooding. We’ve been evaluating our properties' riparian forests and have chosen Russell-Mandel as the next site for restoration. This will require many work parties to remove invasive trees and shrubs from along the streams, both unnamed tributaries of the mighty Pidcock creek. Work level: Moderate…

Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at the Lindsay Preserve for live stake-cutting and planting. Completion of our autumn tree planting depends on the addition of live tree stakes. Broken limbs from certain trees have the ability to sprout roots after being embedded in soil - a process known as 'fragmentation.' This propagation method is common in species that live along streams and rivers and experience frequent flooding. We will be taking from Sycamore trees that…

CANCELLED - RAIN DATE TBA Come to Aldie Mansion and help prepare the grounds for spring on March 14th and 15th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM each day! We will work to clear out the gardens, cut down ornamental grasses, and get them ready for mulching. Your work will aid in the preservation and protection of this historic property and its grounds. Join us in helping to get Aldie prepared for the beautiful spring ahead! *Volunteers must pre-register and…

Project: Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at Quakertown Swamp for forest edge maintenance. Where the forest meets the meadow, known as an ecotone, is prime habitat for species such as indigo buntings and cedar wax wings, along with a plethora of other species. A wavy forest edge provides more habitat by linear foot than a straight forest edge; therefore, we will be selectively cutting back portions of the encroaching forest to allow certain encroachments to…

Project: Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at the Fuller Preserve for tree and shrub cage maintenance. Many years of riparian buffer plantings have resulted in hundreds of tree cages and tubes installed on our properties. These deer protection structures need maintenance several times a year. We will be checking to make sure the structures are still stable and upright, and will be cutting off any vines that may be climbing them. Work level: Easy to…

Project: Join us for this week's Fridays in the Forest workday at Quakertown Swamp for invasive praying mantis control. No, they are not protected by law! For a variety of reasons, invasive praying mantises have become quite numerous and are taking a toll on our native insects - including the struggling monarch butterfly. Help us look for and remove the egg casings of the invasive type. You will be taught how to distinguish our lone native species from the three…