Did you grow up in the Missouri/Kansas area, running wild through the woods? If so, you may have noticed as you have been out caching, that many of the areas in our forests and woods are being taken over by an invasive species. I've been out caching with several people and mention this invasive species, but I don't think they've understood how much this is taking over our native plant life. It will have an effect on the whole ecosystem.
The invasive plant we will be after is called the Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and is native to Asia. You can find information about it at https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/bush-honeysuckles.
The terrain is rated as a 5. As such, you will be expected to attend the whole hour and a half event to be able to claim this one. (I want dedicated people who will help make a dent in controlling the spread of Bush Honeysuckle in this park.) If you can't walk for over an hour on rough, hilly terrain, possibly in very cold weather, then this event is not for you. You will either be clipping the branches off at the ground or applying the potion that the park has to kill it after the branches have been clipped.
Coordinates will take you to a parking lot where a park ranger will explain what we will be doing and how to recognize this invasive species in the woods. He also will explain how this bush is affecting the birds and the wildlife in our state. They will be supplying clippers and spray for killing the bush honeysuckle. (They have 12 sets of clippers) After the ranger is finished, we will walk to a location in the woods with our supplies where we will start our attack.
The parks person did say that if there's snow or ice, the park may be closed. If we have bad conditions, we will reschedule for another date.
The ranger is supposed to supply more information, so watch for possible updates. He will remain at ground zero to help.
What you might want to bring:
* work gloves
* eye protection
* water / snack
* layers of clothing for Missouri weather
There's an on-line volunteer data base form (he's supposed to send me the link later) that the park's director said would need to be filled out or he will have paper forms to fill out on the morning of the event. He said the park gets credit for volunteers.