Middlesex Fells: Invasive Plant Removal Service day with Friends of the Fells!

Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter and the Friends of the Fells are inviting you to an Invasive Species Removal of Buckthorn and Multiflora Rose at the Middlesex Fells Reservation, specifically near the Spot Pond Area in Stoneham. Invasive Species are aggressively spreading plants originally brought from outside the ecosystem that absorb the precious nutrients and valuable space away from native plant species in the ecosystem. It's our responsibility as nature's caretakers to clean up this mess our own species has brought upon!

During this outing, we will meet Spot Pond Woodland Road Parking Lot, transition into the Botume House Visitor Center, where we can introduce ourselves and, if needed, take bathroom breaks. Then, we will briefly walk towards an open space nearby, where our wonderful Friends of the Fells representative, Maddie, will explain the origins of Buckthorn and Multiflora Rose at the Middlesex Fells Reservation, as well as discuss ways to distinguish between these plants and native species, safety precautions for gardening equipment, and answer questions in a Q&A session. During this time, I encourage participants to enjoy a snack to prepare for rigorous, physically demanding gardening. Lastly, we will be splitting into groups depending on participant size, and Maddie will direct us to the best locations to dig up the plants.

This outing is expected to last until 5:00pm. If there are still Buckthorn and Multiflora Rose left and participants want to continue, Maddie can determine whether or not to continue. The elevation is not significant, and the trail will be mostly dirt. Sierra Club MA leaders will leave when the last participant feels done! If you would like to be better prepared for this outing, the links below will take you to the Friends of the Fells website, specifically the pages that will tell you about Buckthorn and Multiflora Rose, respectively. Please bring all of your friends and family for this amazing experience in restoring native nature to the Massachusetts land.

Buckthorn: https://www.friendsofthefells.org/fells-invasives-glossy-buckthorn/

Multiflora Rose: https://www.friendsofthefells.org/fells-invasives-multiflora-rose/

Level: Easy
Cost: Free
Bring: Water, snacks, closed-toe shoes, and clothing you're willing to get dirty. Gardening equipment (trowels, gardening gloves, clippers... etc) will be provided but feel free to bring your own.
Signup Restrictions: Due to gardening equipment risks, minors must attend with a parent/guardian.
Additional Directions: We will meet at 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, specifically the Spot Pond Woodland Road Parking Lot. Those taking public transit can take the 99 Bus from Malden Center Orange Line Station.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather