Starting at the new river overlook on University Blvd, FOLAR (Friends of the Lower Appomattox River) is organizing and training volunteers to save trees and native plants and restore local ecosystems and riparian buffers that improve water quality.
FOLAR’s new Invasive Plant Educator and Volunteer Coordinator, Elise Neuscheler, will be on-site to teach volunteers about best practices for managing invasive plants, especially along the river’s edge. We will focus our work around the new river overlook to protect the viewshed of the river and increase the safety of river users in that area. Invasive species to be removed include wisteria, English ivy, privet, Japanese honeysuckle, and porcelain berry.
The Appomattox riverfront has had a long history of industrial use and ownership, such that much of the shoreline has been altered, making the area susceptible to invasive species and reduction of native plant communities, and increased erosion. This has adversely affected the composition and quality of the tree canopy and quality of the river. In addition to the damage to local ecosystems, these invasive plants reduce visibility along the trail and block sight lines that trail users need to feel safe.
FOLAR encourages volunteers to bring your own gloves and tools, if you have them, and to wear long pants and sturdy shoes, as volunteers will be working on a rocky hill near the river that has poison ivy. Water/snacks provided. We encourage you to bring your own reusable water container to reduce our reliance on plastics. Join us to help us free trees, protect our native plants and local wildlife, and restore riparian buffers!
WHEN: Thursdays – June 9 & 23, July 7 & 21 from 5pm-7pm
WHERE: University Blvd Trailhead, 527 University Blvd, Petersburg, VA 23803
CONTACT: Elise Neuscheler, eneuscheler@folar-va.org
