Invasive Plant Seminar & Habitat Restoration Event Planned For National Trails Day At Weir Farm

WILTON — June 2 will mark the 20th anniversary of the American Hiking Society’s trail awareness program, National Trails Day. In honor of this year’s annual trail event, Weir Farm National Historic Site will host an invasive plant seminar and volunteer invasive plant pull from 9 to 11 am.

The public is invited to visit the local national park in an effort to maintain the habitat along park trails in celebration of National Trails Day.

Volunteers will begin the day with a 30-minute seminar presented by Logan Senack, invasive plant coordinator with the University of Connecticut and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The seminar will include a discussion of invasive plant species and information on invasive species of concern in Connecticut.

The event will continue with a hands-on invasive plant pull along the Weir Pond trail. Volunteers will assist National Park Service staff in habitat restoration, removing invasive plants such as garlic mustard and Japanese barberry from the woodlands.

Tools, gloves, and water will be provided. Proper attire for the activity includes sturdy closed toe shoes, long pants, long sleeves, and hats. Sunscreen, insect repellant, and a bottle for water are recommended.

Registration is required and space is limited; call 203-834-1896, extension 11.

This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for ages 10 and up, with parent or guardian supervision required for participants under 15 years of age. Prior to the event, volunteer agreement forms must be signed by each volunteer, or their legal guardian if under 18 years of age.

The main entrance to the national park, which has property in Wilton and Ridgefield, is at 735 Nod Hill Road in Wilton.

Additional information about the park is available online at www.nps.gov/wefa.