WildMetro weed whackers

WildMetro, a local non-profit is holding their first-ever “Earth Tenders” project in Alley Pond Park. The hands-on workday to remove invasive species will be headed by Queens resident Caesar Rahman, a student at Brooklyn College.
Volunteers will be meeting in the Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) parking lot, at 228-06 Northern Boulevard in Douglaston, on Saturday November 22, at 10:30 a.m. Work will continue until about 2 p.m.
Brief orientation talks will be given before the work begins. David Burg, president of WildMetro, will discuss how this project relates to other regional efforts to help local wildlife and to compensate for effects of global warming and other environmental threats.
Rahman will talk about the group’s two years of wildlife research there, including a long-term turtle monitoring project.
Participants in will learn how to identify problem plants and techniques used to remove them. There will also be basic safety instruction. All tools and equipment will be provided. Permits for the work have been issued by city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.
Local problem plants such as porcelain berry, multiflora rose, Japanese knot weed, bitter sweet vines and others will be removed, allowing native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers to fill the spaces.
Volunteers will be working outside and there may be thorns and prickers on some plants, so dress accordingly. They suggest long sleeved shirts and long pants, a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, plus drinking water and snacks and a picnic lunch.
Call WildMetro at 212-308-9453 or visit www.wildmetro.org, for more information.