Invasive Species Control: A Hands-on Environmental Project

The best way to learn about nature is by getting your hands dirty.  The best way to learn about the impact of invasive species on our forests is to plan an invasive species control project.  This can be done by a school class, club, a scout troop, or even as a family or community project. 

Note:  The two photos on this page are the "before" and "after" photos for this project.

Educational Objectives:  To Learn about invasive species:  How to identify them, where they come from, what damage they cause to forests, and how to control them.  This is a great for learning about plant biology.

Appropriate ages of participants:  Ages 11 and up.

Inspiration for this Instructable:  Our middle son is contributing this instructable.  He performed an invasive species control project in our New England community.  This project served as his Eagle Scout Leadership Project and also as his Invasive Species Control Project for hisWilliam F. Hornaday Badge. He wants to use this Instructable Guide to educate others about invasive species and show them to how to plan and perform a similar project.  So if a 14-year-old boy can plan, organize, and direct this project, so can you!

Here is the link to a YouTube video that highlights this project: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HKJbVvChg&utm_source=trigger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=you_tube_ready

Step 1: Supplies

- Work gloves for all participants

- 2 or 3 Weed wrenches

Note:  We borrowed weed wrenches from members of our Town's Conservation Committee

Comments

[DynatecME]

For a good organic "plant food" for invasives, use the following formula.
1 qt vinegar
1 cup salt
1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent
1 teaspoon hot sauce
Mix well and spray often.

[mathiemom]

We have added a link to a YouTube video that highligts this project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HKJbVvChg&utm_source=trigger&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=you_tube_ready

[jtpoutdoor]

cool project. And in the spirit of "learn something everyday" I have never heard of a weed wrench before but it looks like a handy peice of kit.
Use caution though if pulling stuff out with a vehicle as this can be extremely dangerous (moving vehicles, opes/chains under tension, flying debris).
A spade and mattock are also useful for digging out around roots on larger plants.
Good job.

[mathiemom]

I can tell you that it is easy to get volunteers when you tell them they get to use a "weed wrench!" There is something about using such a mechanical/leverage tool that is soooo appealing. Yes, I agree that had tools are used before pulling with a jeep. My son did not use that on his project. He mentioned that option, because he had seen it used on another invasives project that he helped with. Hoever, that part was only done by competent adults.