Daughmer Prairie- the newest acquisition of Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The beauty of the location was the inspiration for a day of grueling work: fighting an alien invader.
Teasel, Dipsacus fullonum (used to be Dipsacus sylvestris)
It looks harmless enough as this Silver Spotted Skipper nectars, but do not be fool by this invader. It is pointy, and prickly business cutting them out before the seed-heads fully develop. Once imported to be used for carding wool, Teasel was entirely too successful and forms dense clumps once they get a foothold.
Fortunately, there have been many good-hearted-but-slightly-crazy folks willing to help of late. Here is Bruce Lindsay and Dick Moseley chest deep in the prairie, doing hand to hand combat.
And what does a "Weedpicker" wear to such a social event? A bucket, of course! This one was filled many times over.
And here, complimenting the 4 foot high teasel, is a patch of chest high poison ivy that I worked in. We'll see how that works out for me!Thanks to all the fine volunteers who have been working at Daughmer Prairie to help with this important work. All told we have logged many hours, but it is worth the effort to know we are preventing an even larger out-break next year. A special thanks to Guy Denny and Dick Moseley for gathering the troops and making this happen in a timely manner.
I have finally earned my moniker- as a "Weedpicker!"
The curse of teasel... I see it everywhere now after having spent time helping to eradicate it last week. I think with everyone's help it has been caught in time, and what is happening at Killdeer Plains won't happen at Daughmer.
ReplyDeleteMore troops are needed to help at other nature preserves, too! It's a DNAP call to arms (and hands).
Daughmer is a treasure. It is a rare glimpse back into Ohio's prairie past. Daughmer gives back, so many time over. Helping to preserve it is definitely one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done.
Good post. I'm sharing it on Facebook.