Volunteer Event: Invasive Plant Removal

4399 Winter Lake Road,Lakeland FL 33803

01 April, 2023

Description

What is National Native Plant Month and why is it important? National Native Plant Month celebrates and recognizes all plants that are native to their specific regions. A native plant is any plant found naturally (not placed there by humans) within a given geographic area. For us in central Florida, that includes all native plants of central Florida. It is important to protect our native plants because of the benefits they serve, not just for us, but for the native wildlife as well. Native wildlife depends on native plants. If these plants are not around for the wildlife of central Florida, it could be disastrous for our native food webs. Native plants face many threats and one of those threats is being out competed by invasive species. What are invasive species? An invasive species is generally considered to be any plant or animal that is not native to the environment in which it is found and is often said to cause negative impacts on that environment. Invasive plants, for example, can over grow in areas once dominated by native species and thus out compete them for needed resources. How can I help? We would love your help keeping Circle B beautiful and beneficial to our native wildlife. To help give our native plants room to grow, we plan to conduct an invasive plant removal in designated areas around the nature center. Those planning to participate should bring water, sun protection, gloves, wear long pants, and comfortable closed-toed shoes. Come work the whole time, or just for an hour. Any help is always appreciated and our public lands thank you! Date & Time : Saturday, April 1st, 8:30am-11:30am Location: All participants should plan to meet on the Discovery Center board walk, leading into the center. Invasive Plant Removal: Participants may choose to help remove invasive plants in designated invasive plant removal sites.Please refer to the map for reference. PLEASE NOTE: Those participating in the invasive plant removal may be off trail and on uneven terrain.Who should sign up for this? This event is open to all ages and groups. (i.e. 4H, FFA, Scouts, General Public, etc.) Tickets & Sign-Ups: No sign-up required, but is highly recommended to help for planning purposes. If you plan to attend, please reserve a ticket so we may have a head count for the day of. For any questions or concerns: Please call Polk's Nature Discovery Center at (863) 668-4673, or email [email protected] Make sure you are following Polk's Nature Discovery Center on Eventbrite so you are notified about future events!