Winter Workday at Mathes (Pella)

Posted on February 3, 2021 in Press Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Joe Jayjack, communications director,
jjayjack@inhf.org or 515-288-1846 ext. 19

Winter Workday at Mathes (Pella)
INHF to host brush removal at INHF property

PELLA – Join Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) for a winter workday at Mathes on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Together, volunteers will help remove brush and non-native plants from the oak savanna near Pella.

Invasive brush removal involves using various hand tools (handsaws or loppers) to manually cut invasive brush. Participants may work alongside or with an experienced chain sawyer. No experience necessary. Instruction will be provided. New and seasoned volunteers welcome.

WHAT: Winter Workday at Mathes
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE: Mathes Property, Pella, IA
RSVP: An RSVP is required for this event.

The Mathes Property encompasses 51 acres with rolling hills of oak/hickory savanna, woodland and a plethora of spring ephemeral wildflowers. The property sits atop a ridge just before dropping into the South Skunk River floodplain north of the property. This natural area sits just a few miles outside the town of Pella and is a refuge for wildlife, including deer, turkey, owls and a number of birds. Mathes came to INHF through a bequest from former landowner, Harold Mathes, in 2010. It is now owned and stewarded by INHF.

No experience necessary. Family friendly, kids welcome. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, long pants, mask, work gloves and bring a water bottle.

Directions: Starting from Pella, head north on Main St. about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto 228th Pl. until the stop sign. Turn left onto 240th Pl. to the first gravel road. Turn left on Dakota Dr. and look for INHF signs.

Contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Schmidt at mschmidt@inhf.org with questions.

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Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit conservation group that works with private landowners and other partners to protect Iowa's land, water and wildlife. Since its founding in 1979, INHF has helped protect more than 180,000 acres of Iowa's wild places.

For more information, visit www.inhf.org or call 515-288-1846.