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

We will continue to focus on phragmite control close to the shore, using electric hedgeclippers or weedwhackers and more precise removal in the broader buffer between the pond and mowed field with loppers and cane cutters. This is the perfect time to cut the invasive grass, just before it produces the seed head. It is storing considerable energy in the leaves. Since we have already removed the old stalks, work moves quickly with electric clippers and we can easily see plants that we want to preserve.
Please wear sturdy, preferably waterproof work boots, bring work gloves, favorite loppers or hedgeclippers, 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: If we don't stop to look closely we can miss so much. This is a lovely little plant called Marsh Skullcap that has survived being overshadowed for a number of years by the phrags, I have seen well over a dozen plants around the pond in the critical area between the pond and mowed field. Plants like this keep me coming back week after week to see what gems are just waitng for their moment in the sun once again.