Woodland Restoration Day

Join us in our ongoing efforts to restore our wooded acres back to a thriving native ecosystem. This is a volunteer event where we will be using hand tools to remove invasive plants (primarily woody varieties, including multi-flora rose and bush honeysuckle) and possibly plant some native species. This will be a great opportunity to become familiar with some of the most common invasive plants in this region as well as learning some of the native species.

We will meet at 10am, get started by 10:30 and take a lunch break around 12:30pm. After lunch, we will continue working until 3pm (no problem if you need to leave early).

Lunch is on us!

Snacks and a vegetarian lunch will be provided. Give us a heads up if you have any special dietary restrictions so that we may accommodate you!

Physical Requirements

No invasive removal experience is necessary for this work day, however the tasks do take a little bit of physical endurance and strength. Sawing or cutting invasive woody shrubs and canes at their bases requires squatting close to the ground, so workers on this task need some flexibility and good joints. We will NOT be using any herbicides but, instead, be pulling or digging up the plants and their roots whenever possible.

What to Bring

Bring a bottle of drinking water and appropriate clothing for the weather. We recommend wearing footwear with good tread, and a brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. Please bring a good pair of gloves (leather or rubber coated) and, if you have them, any clippers, light handsaws or shovels (If you don’t, we have some tools and extra gloves to share). Poison ivy will not be a major problem in early spring since the leaves are not out; However, if you are extra sensitive to this allergen, we recommend that you work primarily in the forest and avoid the open meadow areas. Bugs shouldn't be a problem.

Leader: Aimee Gaines

Aimee received a crash course on invasive plant management while working as a seasonal park aid with the Arc of Appalachia in 2017. She is the owner/founder of Fruitdale Farm and prioritizes the restoration of the woodland area as a crucial part of the farm's mission. Aimee enjoys playing outside, gardening, building, cooking, yoga and lots more. She always looks forward to an opportunity to get outside and connect with new people.

Questions?

Please contact Aimee Gaines with any questions at aimeegaines@gmail.com or (740) 649-4945.

Directions

671 Moxley Rd Bainbridge, OH 45612

Fruitdale Farm is located in Ross County in south central Ohio, approximately 25 miles west of Chillicothe, and 20 miles east of Hillsboro, 8 miles north of Bainbridge and 6 miles south of Greenfield. It lies one mile west of State Route 41 on Moxley Road. Upon arrival, there will be a green farm gate and the number 671 on the fence post. Please park in the grass to the left after entering the gate.