Woodland Restoration Day

Join us in our ongoing effort to restore the wooded acres of Fruitdale Farm 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 bush honeysuckle, autumn olive and multiflora rose). 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 12:30pm, get started by 1pm and wrap things up at 4pm.  Pizza and refreshments will be provided. 

Physical Requirements No invasive plant removal experience is necessary for this work day, however the tasks do take a 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 be pulling or digging up the plants and their roots whenever possible to avoid the need for herbicide. 

What to Bring Bring a bottle of drinking water and appropriate clothing for the weather.  We recommend wearing rugged footwear for muddy conditions and long pants and sleeves to protect your legs and arms from thorns.  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: 779 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 mailbox and wooden sign at the entrance with the address (779) on them. The gravel drive is easy to miss as it is in a wooded area. There is enough space for 5-6 cars to park here. Overflow parking will be at 671 Moxley Road (enter through green gate and park either on the gravel or in the grass near the road, then walk over to Aimee's house at 779 Moxley Rd).