Want to learn more about how to reduce the spread of certain quick-growing plants without using chemicals that pose risks to pollinators and to soil health?

…or just come help prevent the spread of bittersweet to the shores of Chocorua Lake, make some new friends, and get some exercise!

On Friday, June 26, from 9–11 AM, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy for a “Bittersweet Outdoor Volunteer Morning” of camaraderie, exercise, and plant control at the Brown Lot across from Chocorua Lake. Our volunteer stewards will be learning how to identify, remove, and control nonnative plants that might otherwise out-compete native trees and shrubs. 

Bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry, and knotweed are all considered nonnative plants in New England: plants brought to the US as ornamentals that in some environments can grow abundantly, disburse large quantities of fruits or seeds, and often grow from underground root systems. Some of these plants can grow so thick in certain locations that they take over habitats normally available to native shrubs that provide cover and food for wildlife. 

Our work at the Brown Lot will focus on non-native bittersweet. We’ll be cutting vines and the low growth in an attempt to keep the vines at bay. Young leaves are just emerging, which makes identification and finding them easier. Japanese barberry is also present and we’ll tackle that as we come across it in the understory. Herbalists looking for a non-endangered source of berberine are welcome to come join us in our efforts and take some barberry root home.

CLC owns the Brown Lot, an undeveloped property located across Rt. 16 from the lake. Working to limit the spread of non-native plants there helps to reduce the chances these species will spread to the lakeshore. 

Bring work gloves and your favorite clippers if you have them. We will have some tools available if needed. Wear sturdy close-toed shoes or boots and bring water and a snack, if you like, as well as bug or sun protection as needed, and a bathing suit if you’d like to go for a dip after! Meet at The Island public access area on the lake, right off of Route 16. Feel free to come for all or some of the morning. Please register in advance above so that we can let you know of any changes to the schedule.

Banner image: Dealing with a sturdy bittersweet vine. | Anna Paddock