Because several people have had conflicts with the March 17 and March 24
dates for work on the Pohl Prairie back of Ames High, Erv Klaas has added
another workday to accommodate all those who wish to
participate.   Volunteers can gather there on March 31st as well.

Below are the details.

Peggy Murdock

9 am to 2 PM each day

1. Buckthorn eradication. We will cut and treat stumps with herbicide. This
invasive woody shrub is spreading rapidly throughout the understory of the
forest and from there out onto the main prairie. Priority will be given to
removing female plants (those with berries still attached). If anyone has a
pesticide applicator's permit for applying restricted herbicides, please
contact me. TNC is investigating the possible use of a restricted
herbicide, at least on part of the treated area, and we need one or two
people who have the training and are certified to use them. Otherwise we
will use an unrestricted chemical.
2. Trash pickup. A lot of trash has blown in on the west side. One work
crew will walk through the area and pick up anything that doesn't belong
there. Most of the trash consists of paper, plastic, cans and bottles.
3. Brush clean up. There is some brush laying around, left over from
previous work days. This needs to be piled up for later chipping or burning.
4. Firewood. A few downed trees need to be cut up into firewood with chain
saws. If you are an experienced chain saw operator, please contact me for
instructions on required safety equipment. If you have your own chain saw
bring it. There are several pickup loads of firewood that need to be hauled
to the main gate. If the ground is dry enough we will haul it out.
5. Fence-line clearing. The Nature Conservancy intends to repair or replace
the boundary fencing in the near future. Many parts of the fenceline is
overgrown with woody vegetation and there are a dozen or more trees that
have fallen across the fence. These need to be sawed up and cleared away
before the fencing can start.
6. Train maintenance/brush cutting. We are planning to widen and repair an
old trail around the north side through the woods that hopefully will take
pressure off the trail that goes through the middle of the main prairie.
Volunteers should wear protective clothing, shoes and gloves. A hard hat
and goggles are required for some jobs and recommended for all. A hard hat
and leg chaps are required for chain saw operators. TNC will provide some
equipment but if you have loppers or bow saws, bring them. If you stay for
the entire work period, you might want to bring a lunch or snacks. Drinking
water and soft drinks will be provided.
We need to have one or two greeters at the gate each day to welcome
workers, explain the release forms and direct people to work areas. This is
a job that can be done by anyone who can't do strenuous work. Otherwise,
we'll rotate greeters on and off work crews.
No RSVP is required, just show up on the scheduled work days. Hope to see
you there, we intend to work hard, socialize, and have some fun. If you
have any questions, please contact me.
Erv Klaas <[log in to unmask]>

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