This Wednesday, June 16th, volunteers are invited to join Starksboro Conservation for a second attack on the wild parsnip growing around Cota ballfield and the Creekside Trail kiosk. We will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot and work for an hour or so (90 minutes max). Volunteers are welcome to come and go as their evening schedule permits.

Monkton resident, John McNerney has graciously agreed to come over to assist first-time volunteers in learning the techniques for safe pulling of plants and to demonstrate usage of a parsnip predator shovel. John and Jaime Schulte (also a Monkton resident) have been instrumental in spearheading parsnip pulling parties for four years at the soccer fields at Morse Park and around the playground area at Monkton Central School. John will bring several Predator Shovels from the Monkton tool lending library for our use. He also has a few new ones that can be purchased for $47.00 (no mark -up). You do not dig with the Predators, rather you slide the blade in at a slight angle between the crown of the carrot-like top and its underground root. A loud pop occurs when the root and crown are successfully separated. Our goal is to pop as many parsnips as we can on Wednesday evening. The removal work is easy when using a Predator and the pace comfortable so one can engage in conversation with others or choose to remain silent and go about their work alone.

Here are suggestions on what to wear to reduce skin contact with the plants sap: sturdy, close-toed shoes, long pants, a long- sleeved shirt, and gauntlet style gloves. Some volunteers wear safety glasses and a hat. The use of a bug spray and tick repellent is highly recommended. If you have a round pointed shovel bring it along.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Starksboro Conservation hopes for a large turnout of volunteers to work with them this Wednesday, June 16th at 7:30 p.m.

Jan 20, 2025, 9 AM to 12 PM

Jan 21, 2025, 4 to 10 PM

Jan 22, 2025, 7 to 8:30 PM