Habitat Heroes - Stop The Choking, Save The Natives

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Duties:
Our native trees, ferns and wildflowers are under attack by invasive plants like English ivy, Japanese honeysuckle and bamboo. These plants are fast-growing and threaten the local habitat and wildlife. We need heroes like you to join us in preserving Reston’s ecosystem.

Stop the Choking, Save the Natives
Saturday, October 27
10 a.m. - Noon
The native mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) is in danger of being choked out by English ivy. We need your help to remove the English ivy vines and give the native wildflowers a chance to thrive. We will be along the asphalt path between Sanibel Drive and Dogwood Elementary School. Look for the RA truck.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Removing invasive, exotic plants from our community.
- Identifying whether plants are native vegetation or invasive.
- Replant natural areas with attractive and important native ferns, wildflowers, shrubs or trees.

FOR YOUR SAFETY:
Please wear long sleeves and long pants to protect you from biting insects, thorns, and poison ivy. There is poison ivy at almost all sites. Bring gardening gloves if you have them. RA will provide some tools, gloves, snacks, and water.

RA Staff will be available on-site to assist with training and any questions that may arise.

Qualifications:
No prior experience required. Invasive removal is done year-round and training is regularly provided on-site.

All ages are welcome. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents must complete a Volunteer Minor Application for each child participating.

Sign up today by logging into VicNet and registering under the "My Schedule" tab. We'd love to have you!

Directions:
Applications and other information can be found at http://www.reston.org/ under "About Reston Association" then the "Volunteer Opportunities" tab.

NEW VOLUNTEERS (required): Fill out a volunteer application. Once complete, you will receive confirmation and instructions on how to start a VicNet account.

You can find the application here:
- Adult Volunteer Application - http://bit.ly/VolunteerRestonApplication
- Minor Application (Under 18 - parent must consent) - http://bit.ly/VRMinorApp

RETURNING VOLUNTEERS: Log into VicNet and register under the "My Schedule" tab. Click the "Help Wanted" boxes on the calendar to sign up.

* Please save the VicNet (http://bit.ly/VRVicNet) link for future visits.

If you experience any problems with Volgistics or VicNet, please contact Ha Brock, Volunteer Reston Manager, at 703-435-7986 or habrock@reston.org.