- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
1 person is interested
Stewardship at the Preserve
ORGANIZATION: Vassar Ecological Preserve
Please visit the new page to apply.
- A group opportunity. Invite your friends.
-
1 person is interested
The Preserve is a multipurpose plot of land in Poughkeepsie. Behind the rugby field on the hill lies mats of Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus). This vine wraps around tree trunks, essentially choking them and hindering their ability to grow. In other cases, the vines reach up to the branches, weighing them down as the vines attempt to flourish in the canopy.
Our job is to make sure the don't. Or, rather, to remove as much of the population of this hazardous vine as possible. We help preserve our trees by clipping the bittersweet low to the ground and as high as is comfortable to reach.
Tools, water and light refreshment are provided, but if you have a pair of work gloves or hand pruners you are attached to, by all means, bring them along! Parking is available in front of the Vassar Barns and we will meet there at 9. If you come later in the day, we'll be back by the edge of the Rugby field. Even if you've only got an hour to spare, come on down!
Please note that long pants and hiking boots/comfortable work shoes are required. There are ticks, potential mosquito activity, and potential poison ivy. Sunscreen and bugspray suggested. We will have water, but it is good to bring your own as well if you can.
More opportunities with Vassar Ecological Preserve
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About Vassar Ecological Preserve
Location:
50 Farm Lane, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, US
Mission Statement
The mission of the Vassar Ecological Preserve is to protect and preserve the ecological diversity of the land to ensure that its educational value will be maintained in perpetuity. The Vassar Ecological Preserve promotes increased understanding and appreciation of the natural systems on the preserve through field-based education and research. Much of the work we perform is in relation to habitat monitoring and restoration, so that students and faculty may continue to learn about the world around us. In addition to that, trails are maintained for guests to walk, run, and in some areas, bike. We lead nature walks centering around beavers, birds, and so much more.
Description
About the Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve
The Vassar College community and Poughkeepsie area residents now utilize the 527-acre farm and ecological preserve in a variety of ways.
The northeastern portion of the Vassar Farm is designated as a multiple use area. Many community members visit this part of the Vassar Farm to tend a plot in the community garden or pick up a share of vegetables from the Poughkeepsie Farm Project. This area is also used for athletics with both the Vassar Rugby and Cross Country team calling the farm home.
The Field Station and Ecological Preserve is an invaluable resource for Vassar scientists. Vassar faculty and students conduct research on the 415-acre Ecological Preserve. The Priscilla Bullitt Collins Field Station was built in 1995, and is used to study natural history, ecology, botany, environmental education, and earth science. It contains a library, classroom, laboratory, computers, and a modern weather station. The surrounding area offers a diversity of habitats including streams, wetlands, ponds, forest, and old fields. Community members also use the preserve by walking on network of marked trails.
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
50 Vassar Farm LanePoughkeepsie, NY 12601
DATE POSTED
August 9, 2017
SKILLS
- Problem Solving
- Landscaping
GOOD FOR
- Kids
- Teens
- People 55+
- Group
REQUIREMENTS
- Come when suits you
- On-site training will be provided.