GRAFTON-Nature enthusiasts are invited to explore the forest landscape in the upcoming Botany Hike Series led by botanical expert Tom Groves and hosted by The Nature Museum at the Molly Beattie State Park in Grafton. Three Saturday outings comprise the series: May 18, June 29, and August 17, from 9 a.m. to noon.
During these hands-on excursions, participants can learn to identify rare, native, and invasive plant species; gain insights into invasive plant control options; and deepen understanding and appreciation of our native flora.
Each hike will explore aspects of botany, focusing on topics such as invasive plant control techniques in sensitive wetland habitats and conducting flora inventory in the state park and the neighboring beaver wetland/meadow habitats. Throughout the series, participants will contribute to compiling a botanical inventory across the growing season, offering valuable insights into the region's biodiversity.
Individuals can choose to join one, two, or all three hikes, with registration priced at $20 per hike. Advance registration is required to secure a spot.
In addition to the Botany Hike Series, The Nature Museum will host a hands-on workshop on the management of non-native invasive plants on Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to noon, led by local forest management professionals from Long View Forest.
Attendees will learn the importance of removing invasive plants to enhance ecosystem function, as well as the best removal techniques tailored to different species and seasons. The workshop will include practical demonstrations and active management activities on the Nature Museum property, focusing on species such as Japanese knotweed, oriental bittersweet, Japanese barberry, glossy and common buckthorn, and burning bush.
For more information and to register for the Botany Hike Series and the Invasive Plant Management workshop, visit nature-museum.org.
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