Stonington Students Take on Invasive Plants

Photos and Story by Beth Sullivan

For the last four years, Stonington High School has sent students throughout the community for a day of service at the end of April. It’s an opportunity to give back to the town they call home.

This year, a great crew of young men and women again chose to help Avalonia with stewardship. A team of 15 students and two teacher/mentors arrived at Parker Brothers Preserve in Pawcatuck early and ready to work. Avalonia team leaders gave an overview of our mission and reminded the students that we rely on and are always grateful for volunteers. In return, the preserves are free and open for all to use and enjoy.

This sweet property had become overrun with invasive vines and shrubs, obscuring the old stone walls, climbing tall evergreens, and generally taking over. We could have spent days trying to make a dent if we did it ourselves. But this group far exceeded our expectations. Teams of two or three chose their tools and after a little trial and error, developed their strategies for success! Vines, bushes, and weeds were cut and raked into piles. Woody Tree of Heaven plants were cut down. The best part was then loading it all into a large pickup truck and stomping it down so tightly, it took two strong stewards to pull it all out at the transfer station. Two loads!

After two hours, the difference was amazing. The walls were cleared and the overall appearance was far more inviting. We hope to get a neighborhood stewardship team to help, but in the meantime, it is ready for spring enjoyment.

Thank you to Stonington High School Community Service Program and leadership — a great collaboration. And thank you to the following students: Greyson Battisti, Ty Bevington, Connor Foley, Gavin Gale, Makena Getchis, Jonathan Grant, Kairi Grant, Nolan Hargus, Nate Howard, Ajar Malik, Cormac Murphy, Luke Musselman, Van Russo, Cole Scahill, Lincoln Whewell, Ben Wolgemuth.