Make your way to the woods for a spring afternoon outdoors! Volunteers will hand-pull garlic mustard, one of the most invasive plants in Iowa, from Mathes' woodlands. Garlic mustard spreads rapidly and displaces native plants and wildflowers. If left unchecked, it can do serious damage to wooded landscapes. People are welcome to stay, explore and enjoy the property's spring ephemeral flowers after the event.
No experience necessary. Instruction will be provided. New and seasoned volunteers welcome.
An RSVP is required.
ABOUT MATHES
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.
ATTIRE & EQUIPMENT
- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots, long pants and layers
- Work gloves and water bottle
- A hiking stick, binoculars, field guide and/or camera, if you like
DETAILS
DIRECTIONS
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.
> Google map
QUESTIONS?
Contact Volunteer Coordinator Melanie Schmidt at mschmidt@inhf.org
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is committed to an equitable opportunity for volunteers to gather, in which we strive toward an environment that is both safe and welcoming for all. INHF continues to work toward creating a more inclusive environment that encourages, supports and affirms the diverse backgrounds of our volunteers. Attendees whose words, actions or behaviors make other attendees feel unsafe or unwelcome at INHF volunteer events will be asked to leave.