You are invited to join us on Tuesday, September 26^th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Appleton Preserve, a part of the larger Bell Cedar Swamp.

We have been working to create and maintain habitat for the New England Cottontail and other fauna on a number of our preserves, in association with the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge initiative.  At Appleton Preserve, with our wildlife habitat piles (i.e. bunny piles) built, we turn our focus to the removal of autumn olive, multiflora rose, and black locust, invasive species that have crept into some of the early emergent habitat or “thicket”.  OUr focus will be on reclaiming/restoring a 2-acre open area or meadow.

If you’ve assisted with this before, you know that it is not for the faint of heart.  We will work in small teams of 2-3 to cut, remove, and treat these invasives. Stump painting with herbicide will be a component of this management effort, although there are plenty of other tasks to be done. Thick clothing, sturdy footwear, and heavy gloves are recommended. Tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. No experience necessary. Plant identification tutorial provided on-site.

There is a small parking area adjacent to 64 Boombridge Road, North Stonington. We will meet there. Vehicles with higher clearance/4×4 may continue past the gate, down the access road to the work site, otherwise we can walk down together.  Carpooling is encouraged. 

Although not required, please consider registering here to assist us in event planning.