Volunteers needed to remove invasive plants at Faulkes Heritage Woods

CEDAR RAPIDS - Native plants in Faulkes Heritage Woods are getting some extra space to grow thanks to a local volunteer effort, and organizers are looking for more volunteers to lend a hand and remove invasive plants during upcoming events.

Volunteers interested in learning about native woodland ecosystems are invited to Woodland Care Days from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and from 4 to 6 p.m. March 22.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the trailhead on Tama Street SE just north of 30th Street Drive in Cedar Rapids.

Trees Forever is organizing several Woodland Care Day events in partnership with Our Woodland Legacy, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the city of Marion and Coe College.

'Faulkes Heritage Woods is one of the natural treasures of Linn County, but invasive species are putting its ecosystem at risk,” said Carole Teator, director of programs at Trees Forever.

The events will focus on removing and treating invasive Japanese barberry. The spiny shrub invades woodlands, shading out native plants.

Volunteers are asked to come prepared to work outdoors and are encouraged to wear sturdy leather work gloves.

Cancellations due to weather will be posted at treesforever.org/faulkes.

For more information, contact Teator via email at cteator@treesforever.org or by phone at (319) 721-2396.