Volunteers assist park staff in locating, marking and removal of non-native invasive beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens) from the Gatewood Preserve meadow.
Duties include:
- Identification of beefsteak plant
- Locating and marking patches of beefsteak plant
- Pulling beefsteak plants by hand
Schedule: Once a week, until September 1, 2022.
Training: Training on beefsteak plant identification and removal will be provided on site.
Time Commitment: 3 hours each session
Materials and Equipment: Close-toed shoes, long pants and bug repellent recommended as we will be walking through tall meadow grass to locate plants. Hand tools and gloves (volunteers may bring their personal tools and gloves), band aids, and safety vests (blaze orange or yellow) are provided. Volunteers should bring water bottles and any necessary trail snacks. Water and snack bars will be provided.
Special Skills: Most work will be performed outside under varying weather conditions. Frequent exposure to weather and temperature extremes, noise, dust, and dirt should be expected. Work performed requires the exertion of moderate to heavy physical effort and may involve lifting and moving objects over 50 pounds.
Work also includes: exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitos, snakes, spiders and other wildlife.
For any additional information, please contact Ian Keeley at Ian.Keeley@CalvertCountyMD.gov
