In the fall, the Newton Conservators Invasives Team works to treat Japanese knotweed before the stalks die back, and then moves on to removal of woody invasives such as buckthorn, burning bush, honeysuckle, barberry, and multiflora rose, and vines such as bittersweet and porcelain berry. Come join us and help keep these invaders out! Wear long pants tucked into socks, closed shoes, and garden gloves. Trash bags will be provided; the City will dispose properly as trash, not as yard waste. New to our invasives sessions? See our FAQs and complete Volunteer Release form.
Due to October being very busy with other events, plus some rain, I haven’t been able to hold many group sessions. Once we get into November I will try to get back to a twice a week schedule: Thursday morning and a one weekend day. Here is what is currently scheduled:
Saturday, Oct. 18. 2pm – 3:30 pm. Cold Spring Park knotweed. Meet at the Beacon St pollinator garden. We will walk down Beacon St towards Zervas School and work on the Beacon St knotweed between Kippy Drive and Zervas.
Sunday, Oct, 26 10am -12 noon. Cold Spring Park “Clethra Corridor”. Meet at the kiosk at the left side far end of the Beacon St parking lot. We will work with a sorority group from Northeastern University to clear buckthorn in the area between the path near the Zervas School and Beacon St. This area is one of the more uninvaded and biodiverse in the park. Let’s keep it that way!
Sunday, Nov. 9, 10am – 12 noon. Wabasso St conservation area – buckthorn removal. This parcel, near Rumford Ave and overlooking Purgatory Cove, was acquired by the city several years ago and Newton Conservators holds the Conservation Restriction on it. It is a very pretty spot – but buckthorn has started to invade. We will work with a small group from Boston College Outdoor Adventures to handpull small ones, weed wrench medium sized, and cut and paint the larger ones.
Steady rain will cancel our sessions. If in doubt, contact Katherine Howard at 617 721 2571. New to our invasives sessions? See our FAQs and complete the Volunteer Release form.