Lehigh Crossing Park Work Party

We will continue trim close to the creek just past the boardwalk removing some non-native honeysuckle or maybe autumn olive, use rakes to pull some of the phragmites that may have slipped off the shore into the pond, label specific plants. We may cut some twigs from willow and dogwood to "plant" in newly cleared areas. I will be happy to answer questions and listen to suggestions. Heavy rain will cancel, but we usually dress properly and move through light showers.
So far I have seen just a few new leaves from phragmites.
From USDA: Phragmites-(apparently phrags are also used for grazing some livestock-so this to me reinforces that what we are doing is making a difference-just too bad we can't entice deer to eat it):
This grass cannot withstand prolonged heavy grazing. Its upright growth makes it easy for livestock to remove all the leaves. For maximum production, no more than 50 percent of current year's growth by weight should be grazed off during growing season. Grazing deferments of 60 to 90 days every 2 to 3 years during the growing season improve plant vigor. We have definitely taken off more than 50% directly around the pond.
Please wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, bring work gloves, insect repellent (ticks may be active), and water to drink. Your favorite loppers or pruners would be helpful, or hand saws. I will bring extra loppers, rakes, a few tools to perhaps remove some small stumps.

1. Photo is of one of the Elderberry shrubs that is just peeking through looking for spring.