This workshop will focus on identification of plants in a section of powerline right-of-way (ROW) that is being managed by non-chemical invasive means to promote a biologically diverse plant community that is compatible with powerline safety requirements. We will learn to identify the characteristic suite of native species to be expected on a ROW with acidic, rocky soil, that is managed with ecological sensitivity. These include ericaceous dry-site shrubs like black huckleberry, composite wildflowers like silverrod and upland boneset, and the lovely, tawny warm season grasses, as well as several dry-site mosses and club mosses. Sigrun Gadwa, co-leader with Gary Therrien, did an in-depth botany survey here in 2019. We’ll also learn to recognize the widespread invasives that colonize most CT ROWs, and Gary will show and explain the ways that he has managed them on this ROW segment for over 15 years.
We will compare this carefully managed area to a nearby degraded and over-mowed section of ROW that was formerly a diverse shrub-dominated, seasonally saturated wetland. Trip leaders will point out differences between native and non-native fall-flowering forbs and demonstrate how to cut back common mugwort at a time that minimizes the risk that seeds will fall on the ground.
ID skills will help land trust stewards and property owners recognize powerline-compatible and non-compatible vegetation in ROWs and will help them work with utility companies to foster desirable plant species and preserve their ROW’s wildlife habitat and pollinator function.
Time: 10:00 AM
Leaders: Sigrun Gadwa, CBS Conservation & Ecology Chair, sigrun.n.gadwa@gmail.com 203-537-1869
Gary Therrien, CBS Lifetime Member
Pre-registration is required: Please register with Gary Therrien, gtherrien1@cox.net
Directions and Parking: Provided upon registration.
Sigrun and Gary have offered to hold this workshop again at additional times for smaller, targeted groups. Please reach out to them if you would be interested in scheduling a session.