Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association is seeking volunteers to help care for our numerous public properties. Stewardship projects include invasive plant control, wildlife habitat improvement projects, trail clearing and maintenance, bridge building, boundary marking and annual monitoring. There is a job for everyone, with opportunities to learn new skills, spend time outdoors getting fresh air and exercise, and to see a variety of habitats in the area!

Last week a group of volunteers helped with removal of Morrow’s honeysuckle on the Whitefield Salmon Preserve in Whitefield, a property that protects Atlantic salmon habitat on the Sheepscot River and West Branch, in addition to important upland wildlife habitats. Targeting invasive species prevents them from competing with native shrubs that provide more valuable wildlife foods and cover. Oriental bittersweet, Morrow’s honeysuckle and Japanese barberry are all found in limited amounts on the Preserve, and our stewardship crew helped keep the invasives at bay while tackling the task with humor and hard work!

Later in August and September we will be working on wildlife habitat projects and erosion control at Trout Brook. Volunteers will work on cutting back trees and shrubs as we work towards keeping small openings in the forest for song birds and woodcock. The site was historically a field and we are working to maintain the early successional forest stage currently present. In addition to getting work done, volunteers will learn about wildlife habitat improvement techniques for their own properties, and resources for more information. As we tackle erosion control, volunteers will learn about the importance of creating and maintaining riparian buffers.

The fall is SVCA’s monitoring season when staff and volunteers spread out on the landscape and check properties we own or hold easements on looking for changes or disturbances. This is a once a year task but a wonderful opportunity to get out on the landscape and explore while helping SVCA staff. Annual monitoring is an important responsibility in the stewardship of lands that were often given with the expectation that they be protected in perpetuity.

If you are interested in hearing more about upcoming projects please contact SVCA’s Programs Manager Lynne Flaccus at lynne@sheepscot.org or call the office 207-586-5616. Watch for upcoming activities and projects on our website www.sheepscot.org or like us on Facebook.

Hope to see you out on the trails and in the woods soon!