Please join Avalonia stewardship staff and volunteers at the Parke Memorial Preserve in North Stonington, on Wednesday May 13 at 9:00 to help in the restoration of floodplain/riparian habitat along the Shunock River.  This free event is open to all-comers!

Over the past four years great strides have been made at Parke Memorial in reducing the amount of Japanese knotweed and in encouraging native pollinators species along the dam.  While the efforts to manage the knotweed continue, we have now reached a point where it is appropriate to plant native trees and shrubs east of the dam and along the Shunock River. Ninebark, sweetspire, spicebush, elderberry, viburnum, swamp white oak, river birch, and black gum are just a few of the species we hope to reestablish on this site.

The parking area at the preserve can only safely accommodate our work vehicle, so we plan to meet at the parking lot across from the North Stonington Town Hall (40 Main Street).  Depending on the number of participants, we’ll either walk or carpool (less than a 1/4 of a mile) to the Parke Memorial Preserve, one of several that Avalonia stewards along the Shunock River.  There is a fairly steep decline from the trailhead to the work site, but it is otherwise close to and visible from the road.

Gloves, sturdy footwear, bug repellent, and drinking water are recommended. While tools will be provided for your use, feel free to bring your own shovel or other planting implements.  

We will begin at 9:00 and work as long as spirits remain high, and as weather allows. Work at your own pace and stay as long as you wish.