Work Party at Lehigh Crossing Park 7350 Víctor-Mendon Rd Victor, NY

I am resuming morning hours as we have in past years to avoid working in the hottest time of the day. Last Thursday we focused on planting some small aster plants that were sourced from the asters that are growing vigorously in an area around the pond previously dominated by phragmites. Sarah Sutton, owner of Spicebush Swallowtail Nursery in Pittsford, grew these from seeds we collected from asters (Frost Aster (Symphotrichum pilosum) and Shining Aster (Symphotricum firmum). This week we will focus mostly on phragmites control, but may also add additional cages for protection of a few more Serviceberry and Elderberry plants.
Please wear sturdy, preferably waterproof work boots, bring work gloves, favorite loppers, water to drink, insect repellent (primarily for ticks-mosquitoes are rarely seen here) maybe safety glasses or facial protection, depending on where we are working. I will have some tools to share.
About the photo: A Red-winged Blackbird nest with 2 eggs. Although in recent years they have used phrags to support nests, some cattails are returning and seem to make better nesting sites for them, and are also more beneficial to other species. Richer habitat for wildlife that we can all enjoy is a big part of our effort at Lehigh.