Are you interested in helping protect a favorite local natural area? The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, in cooperation with Damariscotta River Association (DRA), is hosting an Invasive Plant Work Day at the Dodge Point Public Reserved Land in Newcastle on Wednesday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.

While not dangerous to people, invasive plants spread aggressively, out-compete native plants, climb and strangle trees, degrade wildlife habitat, and create thickets which harbor ticks.

Volunteers can make a big difference by helping to remove these invaders. Staff from the DRA and DACF will be on hand to coordinate the work day and show volunteers how to identify and control the invasive plants found on the property.

Volunteers will work in groups to remove invasive plants such as Japanese barberry, shrubby honeysuckle, Asiatic bittersweet, and multiflora rose. The work day will run from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with an optional extension from 12:00 to 2:00 PM for anyone who wants to bring a lunch and keep working after a lunch break.

Please bring your own water and come dressed to work in the woods, including clothing and/or sprays to protect you from ticks. Volunteers are invited to bring hand tools such as snips, loppers, hand saws, and weed pullers, but these are not required. Some tools will be available on-site. All that’s really needed is enthusiasm for the task and a good pair of thick work gloves!

Children under 18 are welcome with adult supervision. To sign up, email Jesse at jferreira@damariscottariver.org or call 207-563-1393.

Dodge Point is a spectacular natural area on the Damariscotta River in Newcastle. Owned by the state of Maine and locally co-managed by DRA, the property boasts several miles of walking trails, a small pond, frontage along the river, and numerous spots for picnicking. It is one of the area’s most popular destinations for family walks and nature observation. The parking area and trail head is located along River Road.

For more information, visit DRA’s website at www.damariscottariver.org.