Battling Invasives Near Pootatuck River

By Kendra Bobowick

Volunteers were aggressively yanking out invasive weeds at 147 Huntingtown Road on August 19.

The roughly 9.1 acres of town-owned open space is rife with the mile-a-minute vine (Persicaria perfoliata) that chokes out native vegetation and touts a rapid growth rate. Cause for concern beyond the weed’s intrusion is its proximity to water. A stretch of the Pootatuck River flows through the parcel.

With the use of $10,000 in grant funding provided by the Department of Environmental Protection, Newtown Conservation Official Ann Astarita coordinated a group of volunteers and town crews and equipment to remove the “enthusiastic” vine, especially near the water, she said.

Berries and seeds begin forming at this time of year, she said. “It’s very important to remove it along the Pootatuck and keep seeds from spreading down river.” The Pootatuck flows north across the property. “It could end up anywhere north of where the river runs,” Ms Astarita said.

Volunteers included Kathleen Nelson, Nancy Dillon, Eric Andruk, and Willie Mandeville, all of the New Milford-based Mad Gardeners, Ms Astarita, and Land Use Agency intern Andrew Fischer. They hand-pulled the invasive from the banks of the Pootatuck River after Assistant Director of Parks Carl Samuelson’s crews cleared access into the property.

Portions of the same grant funds will apply to another invasive species blitz on town open space at 12 Lazy Brook Road. Ms Astarita thanks the Parks and Recreation Department, which again plans to cut a trail for volunteers to enter the site. Luckily, the plant itself comes up easily, said Ms Astarita. “It’s not hard to pull, but, we want to be sure the seeds are bagged.”

 Ms Astarita provided the following: according to the Connecticut Invasive Plants Work Group, mile-a-minute is a highly invasive annual weed spreading across Connecticut. It outcompetes and overgrows native species, causing ecological and economic harm.

The vine scrambles over other vegetation and can climb trees and posts. A single vine can grow up to six inches per day. Mile-a-minute has been banned by the Connecticut Legislature; Connecticut General Statutes (Sec 22a-381d) make it illegal to transport, cultivate, sell, or distribute the species, but populations are still spreading in natural areas and even some Newtown backyards.

Those interested in joining a work group can contact Ms Astarita at 203-270-4350. Her office also has copies of the grant, which is available to the public.

This Weekend:

Adding their effort to the mile-a-minute fight are Conservation Commission members who will coordinate removal efforts on Sunday, September 19, at 11 am.

Commission members are still seeking volunteers to target mile-a-minute, “a very aggressive invasive which can grow up to six inches per day!” noted member Mary Gaudet-Wilson.

 Volunteers can park at 136 Huntingtown Road (an empty store across the street from 147 Huntingtown Road). The driveway must remain open for the residents.

Ms Astarita will give provide a training session on mile-a-minute and its proper removal.

 Conservation members ask that participants bring their own tools and equipment such as clippers and gloves. Also, consider using a tick repellant. Long sleeves and long pants are advised as well as sturdy shoes. Water will be provided.  Rain date will be the following Saturday, September 25, at 11 am. For more information, call 203-426-6518.