FOCAAdmin  May.17.2012

The Friends’ first vine-cutting, invasive plant removal and trash bagging event, held on May 5th in the Quaker Bridge Road section of the Aqueduct in Cortlandt, was a smashing success. Some 35 volunteers, ages 13 to 70+, turned out for a half-day of hard work and good fellowship. All were pleased with the striking change in before-and-after conditions to show for their labors. The event was part of the first I Love My Park Day, a statewide initiative by Parks & Trails NY and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. An informative onsite tutorial by an experienced plant master from http://www.vinecutters.com motivated everyone at the start of the work session. By the end, and with invaluable help from the manager and crew of Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park, the volunteers’ proud accomplishments included hauling and chipping at least ten truckloads of downed trees; filling 21 big trash bags of invasive garlic mustard; and cutting bittersweet and porcelain berry vines from many trees. Enthusiasm and satisfaction ran high along the trail. The Friends’ extend their thanks to all! (And don't miss this lovely write-up on LoHud!)