The new and old butterfly gardens were weeded; plants in the old garden were pruned/trimmed back as well, and several saplings in this area were tagged for positive i.d. and removal. The section next to the parking lot was cleared of leaves to make the area look tidier. More privet was pulled and piled in the roll-off dumpster – area that was worked on was to the right of the boardwalk. The “pull some privet” post was moved to the section just past the boardwalk, refreshed with a new sign, and nearby privet tagged with pink tape. It was discussed whether to change the Privet Pull and Chili Lunch to March (it is usually held in February) and the volunteers that were present were agreeable to this change. It was also suggested that a plant i.d. walk be organized for participants after the lunch is over.
Observations –
- Weather: Very warm for this time of year – low 70’s – and slightly overcast
- Wildlife sightings: Red-tailed hawk, Red bellied woodpecker, Bluejay, Carolina chickadee, Tufted titmouse.
- Plant “doings” : Except for evergreens – native bamboo (Arundinaria tecta), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), & privet (Ligustrum sinense) — plants have become dormant now. Some of the volunteers who have been down the trail toward the mill ruins said that there is a large tree down and lying directly across the path.
Plans for next workday :
Schedule January rescue(s) to get Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) to put near back end of butterfly garden; as well as black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa), wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), and perhaps foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia) or heuchera (Heuchera americana).
Develop new bulletin board – focusing on plants in butterfly garden and what they provide (nectar or edible leaves) to butterflies and their caterpillar-larvae.