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Kudzu Warriors, Conserving Carolina call for volunteers to help clear invasive plant

 

TRYON—The Kudzu Warriors and Conserving Carolina are calling for volunteers to help clear invasive plants at Foothills Equestrian Nature Center on Thursday, August 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. The goal is to combat the spread of invasive species and maintain the ecological balance of the area.

The invasive plant management project at FENCE has been a longstanding effort, with dedicated individuals combatting kudzu dating back to the 1970s. Over the years, the project has garnered support from the local community, and funding from county commissioners has enabled the committee to manage and coordinate the removal of invasive plants effectively.

“We continue to organize volunteer sessions at FENCE, and it is making a huge difference,” said Don Dicey of the Kudzu Warriors. “We’ve also seen great responses to the education part of the sessions, as folks are learning about plant species, animals, herbicide use, stream health, and lots of stuff we encounter on our volunteer days.”

The initiative has received support from various organizations, with Conserving Carolina managing the conservation easement and volunteers actively contributing to the mitigation efforts. Community involvement has been a large part of the project’s success, and the positive results are evident in the eradication of kudzu from significant areas near Blockhouse Creek.

Volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and bring hand clippers if available. The workdays are scheduled to take place on the second Thursday of each month, and the initiative is expected to continue through the summer. Participants will meet at the FENCE parking lot on Hunting Country Road.

FENCE is a non-profit organization serving as a community resource for the preservation of green space and for educational and recreational opportunities.

To get involved or RSVP for the workday event, interested individuals can reach out to Greg Miner at lindykins@charter.net or Don Dicey at wouldwork@gmail.com.