Want to lend a helping hand, but you aren’t sure what to assist with? Join TNI to help with different projects. You could assist with prep for different events or head out into the preserve for trail work. Call the TNI office at (618) 466-9930 with any questions.
The Nature Institute (TNI) is searching for volunteers to assist in the removal of oriental bittersweet within a section of its Olin Nature Preserve. The work day will be held on Saturday, May 19 starting at 9 a.m. at the preserve’s entrance located at 2213 South Levis Lane in Godfrey, Ill. Volunteers will be given a quick tutorial, some gloves and will start working with TNI’s stewardship director to remove the invasive plant within a roughly one-acre area of the property.
Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a wood vine not native to Illinois. The invasive plant, meaning it was introduced into an environment where it does not naturally occur, was introduced into North America in the late 1800’s for aesthetic purposes and has since been used in floral arrangements. However, oriental bittersweet is a fierce competitor to Illinois forest plants as it often chokes out native plants due to their very strong, rapid growth patterns and reproduction methods.
Those interested in assisting TNI in this volunteer workday can meet the group at TNI’s Talahi Lodge. Although registration is not required, it is recommended to allow staff to set up properly for the work day. Registration can be completed online at TheNatureInstitute.org or by calling 618-466-9930.
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