Garlic Mustard and Invasive Species Removal Spring 2023
Help save some of our local wild areas from being over run with invasive plants. Volunteers are needed to help remove garlic mustard, dames rocket and celandine. This is a wonderful way to be outdoors, meet some new people and help the local eco-system.
All sessions will run from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in April and May. The June sessions will run from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Cancelled in the event of steady rain. Please bring work gloves. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are recommended. Sometimes we are pulling in areas with stinging nettle plants. Garden boots are also helpful. Bring a dandelion fork or a hori hori if you own one. The tools can be helpful in removing the roots. No experience is necessary. For more information – call 920-922-7931 or email dianahbeck@gmail.com
The Fond du Lac County Audubon Society is sponsoring these sessions:
Hobbs Woods
Meet at Hobbs Woods County Park, N4197 South Hickory Road
April 10 (Monday), April 12 (Wednesday), April 15 (Saturday), April 17 (Monday), April 19 (Wednesday), April 22 (Saturday), April 24 (Monday), April 26 (Wednesday), April 29 (Saturday), then June 7 (Wednesday), June 10 (Saturday), June 12 (Monday), June 14 (Wednesday), June 17 (Saturday)
Lallier Park
Meet at the southern end of Lallier Park on National Avenue, (1/4 mile south of 4th Street).
May 3 (Wednesday), May 6 (Saturday), May 10 (Wednesday), and final cleanup on June 21 (Wednesday)
Kay’s Ledge Discovery Day, Saturday, May 20
N7836 WH — Drive east on Cty WH, up the ledge .9 miles from the 151 bypass to the entrance on the west side. Watch for an Audubon sign on the fence. No dogs will be allowed.
The day will begin with a work session from 9:00 to 11:30 am to help with invasive species removal from the property, followed by a picnic lunch (provided) and a fire from 11:30 to 1:00 pm. After lunch we will enjoy a leisurely flower walk on the trails at Kay’s Ledge. Rain date on May 21 (Sunday)
Peebles Trail (Prairie Road)
Meet on Prairie Road at the junction with the trail (about 1/4 mile south of Winnebago Drive).
May 13 (Saturday), May 17 (Wednesday), May 24 (Wednesday)
Peebles Trail (County K)
Meet 1/3 mile south of Winnebago Drive.
May 31 (Wednesday), June 3 (Saturday), June 5 (Monday)
Kettle Moraine Adopted Area
Check with Diana Beck for directions to our meeting site in the Kettle Moraine.
Mondays: May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22 and a final gleaning session on June 19 at 9:00 am
Fall Buckthorn Removal. What is Buckthorn?
Check back in the fall to find out about buckthorn removals. Buckthorn is one of the most invasive non-native plants in our local prairies, woodlands, and yards. It shades and crowds out native plants, creating a dense, dull monoculture with barren erosive soil beneath. Fall is the best time to target the plant for removal. Join the work parties to help us restore the habitat along the Peebles Trail.
Buckthorn was brought to this country from Germany in the 19th century. The small tree/shrub makes a good hedge and the berries have a laxative effect. Over the years, the berries have been spread by birds and now buckthorn can be found all over our city and county. The problem comes from a lack of natural controls such as insects that might eat it, and results in thick infestations that crowd out native species.
For more information call 920-922-7931 or email dianahbeck@gmail.com.
Dave Stetter Environmental Education Fund
Dave Stetter, a science teacher at Goodrich High School from 1967 to 2000, was a long-time member and conservation chair for Fond du Lac County Audubon Society. Dave was instrumental in developing facilities and curriculum for the Eldorado and Goodrich Nature Centers. He started an Environmental Awareness Club at Goodrich and organized the first Earth Day activities there in 1970. Dave strongly believed in hands-on outdoor education activities for youth to develop an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. He hoped that such experiences would promote life-long environmental ethics and activism. To honor the memory of Dave Stetter and to promote the conservation values he held so dear, Fond du Lac County Audubon, in conjunction with Dave’s family, has established a fund to support outdoor education experiences for youth. Fond du Lac Audubon plans to use these funds for environmental camp scholarships, field trips to established nature centers, or hands-on outdoor nature programs for youth. Those willing to contribute to the fund may send checks to Mike Sweney, Fond du Lac Audubon treasurer at N5545 Winnvue Ct., Fond du Lac, WI 54937. Make checks payable to Dave Stetter EE Fund.
The Gottfried Prairie and Arboretum
This beautiful native prairie restoration will benefit from your talents and skills. Visit their website to find out how you can make a difference.
Volunteers help to rid the prairie of alien weed species.
Audubon Board and Committees
Any interested community member is invited to attend a Board meeting to find out more about being involved; please contact Diana Beck. Our organization seeks volunteers for our Board and for Committees including marketing – Evelyn McLean-Cowan and education – Margie Winter.