Autumn Olive Removal Stewardship Project at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve

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Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve in Adams County features 120 acres of prairies, cedar barrens, and woodlands. This preserve is best viewed in mid to late summer. It has very unique flora, featuring prairie dock, dense blazing star, pink milkwort, blackjack oak, and much more. This preserve has one of largest populations of rattle-snake master in the state. Our newest addition, purchased by the Arc of Appalachia in 2015, features a new 1.2- mile trail extension. The new trail, Bald Hill and the Cedar Barrens trail, has a large population of dense blazing star and a beautiful view of the rolling Adams County countryside.

Our project will include cutting autumn-olive and other invading woody species on the new parcel. Cut stems will be treated by trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers. Autumn olive is a non-native, invasive deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 ft. Its cream to pale yellow flowers bloom in early spring and produce an abundance of pink to red berries dotted with scales. The leaves of the plant are elliptically shaped with a slightly wavy margin.

Directions: Located about 3 miles north of West Union, proceed on SR 247 to Chaparral Road, then to the preserve at 209 Hawk Hill Road. There is a parking lot located at the maintenance building. We will meet there, then proceed to the new parcel to begin work. Restrooms are present at the maintenance building.

What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, hiking boots, insect repellent. DNAP and ONAPA will provide tools.

Please register in advance here: http://www.onapa.org/stewardship-project-registration.html