2025 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: 09/09 Japanese Barberry Removal | Trotter Parking Area | Tuesday, September 9 | 9-11:30am | Ages 18+ (13-17 with guardian present)The MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). These species reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, space, and provide insufficient food & habitat for native wildlife. CSP events help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants & the restoration of ecologically appropriate species, and include an educational component concerning the target species/area of the event. Japanese Barberry is an abundant foe of the environmental area, and controlling this species requires continued efforts every year. Luckily, this invader is relatively easily uprooted; as such, on this day we will revisit an ever-expanding restoration site to continue digging and hand-pulling these spiny shrubs. Job Duties:- Dig or hand-pull invasive Japanese Barberry.Notes:- Training, tools, and supplies will be provided- Precautions for the thorns, ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should also be taken- This event may be cancelled in the case of adverse weather conditions (such as moderate to heavy precipitation, high winds, or lightning).Please Bring/Wear:- Drinking water- Snacks, if desired- Work gloves- Long pants- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes- Eye protection (recommended)- Appropriate clothing for the weather, including sun protection.
Minimum age: 13
Dates: 09/09/2025 - 09/09/2025
25 Positions available!
Trotter Parking Area5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029From Route 29 at Route 32: Take 32 west to the Great Star Drive exit. Turn right onto Great Star Drive. Then make a right onto Summer Sunrise. Continue to Trotter Road and make a left. Proceed about 1 mile to the parking area on the right just beyond the small traffic circle.From Route 29 at Route 108: Take Route 108 west and continue past Centennial Lane. Proceed past Harpers Farm Road to Trotter Road and make a left. Continue to the parking area on the left. If you reach the small traffic circle, you've gone too far.
Allen Dupre
adupre@howardcountymd.gov
(410) 313-4035
Opp Available Positions: 25
2025 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: 09/23 Shelter Clearing & Tree Planting | Trotter Parking Area | Tuesday, Sept 23 | 9-11:30am | Ages 18+ (13-17 with guardian present)The MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). These species reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, space, and provide insufficient food & habitat for native wildlife. CSP events help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants & the restoration of ecologically appropriate species, and include an educational component concerning the target species/area of the event. On this day, we'll remove vines and vinelike plants from some of our habitat restoration areas, freeing our young trees & shrubs from the threat of smothering, and if time and conditions permit also add new ones!Job Duties:- Hand-Pull, dig, cut, and (if necessary) bag up Mile-a-Minute, Japanese Honeysuckle, and any other non-native invasive species found- Plant and shelter native trees and shrubs (time & conditions permitting)
Dates: 09/23/2025 - 09/23/2025
24 Positions available!
Opp Available Positions: 24
2025 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: 10/07 Shelter Clearing & Tree Planting | South Wind Circle Trailhead | Tuesday, Oct. 7 | 9-11:30am | Ages 18+ (13-17 with guardian present)The MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). These species reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, space, and provide insufficient food & habitat for native wildlife. CSP events help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants & the restoration of ecologically appropriate species, and include an educational component concerning the target species/area of the event. On this day, we'll remove vines and vinelike plants from some of our habitat restoration areas, freeing our young trees & shrubs from the threat of smothering, and if time and conditions permit also add new ones!Job Duties:- Hand-Pull, dig, cut, and (if necessary) bag up Mile-a-Minute, Japanese Honeysuckle, and any other non-native invasive species found- Plant and shelter native trees and shrubs (time & conditions permitting)
Dates: 10/07/2025 - 10/07/2025
Location Description:South Wind Circle Trailhead to MPEA:6495 South Wind Circle, Columbia, MD 21044Route 29 to Route 108 west towards Clarksville or Route 32 to Route 108 east. Turn onto Trotter Road to South Wind Circle (about 1 mile).Enter the circle and proceed to trailhead on left (opposite Misty Top Pass).
2025 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: 10/21 Autumn Olive Removal | South Wind Circle Trailhead | Tuesday, October 21 | 9-11:30am | Ages 18+ (13-17 with guardian present)The MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). These species reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, space, and provide insufficient food & habitat for native wildlife. CSP events help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants & the restoration of ecologically appropriate species, and include an educational component concerning the target species/area of the event. Autumn Olive shrubs are an unwelcome but plentiful remnant of the game farm that once existed in this area, and are relentless invaders requiring the implementation of a variety of control methods over several years. We have made great headway on several acres that we will expand upon this morning. Volunteers will cut down these shrubs to provide room for park staff to return and perform subsequent treatment. Any Japanese barberry shrubs found will also be dug-up and left to dry out.Job Duties:- Cut back Autumn Olive shrubs using hand saws, loppers, or pruners- Dig or hand pull invasive Japanese BarberryNotes:- Training, plant removal tools, and supplies will be provided- Precautions for the thorns, ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should also be taken- This event may be cancelled in the case of adverse weather conditions (such as moderate to heavy precipitation, high winds, or lightning)Please Bring/Wear:- Drinking water- Snacks, if desired- Work gloves- Long pants- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes- Eye protection (recommended)- Appropriate clothing for the weather, including sun protection
Dates: 10/21/2025 - 10/21/2025
South Wind Circle Trailhead to MPEA: 6495 South Wind Circle, Columbia, MD 21044Route 29 to Route 108 west towards Clarksville or Route 32 to Route 108 east. Turn onto Trotter Road to South Wind Circle (about 1 mile).Enter the circle and proceed to trailhead on left (opposite Misty Top Pass).
2025 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: 11/04 Autumn Olive Removal | South Wind Circle Trailhead | Tuesday, November 4 | 9-11:30am | Ages 18+ (13-17 with guardian present)The MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). These species reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, space, and provide insufficient food & habitat for native wildlife. CSP events help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants & the restoration of ecologically appropriate species, and include an educational component concerning the target species/area of the event. Autumn Olive shrubs are an unwelcome but plentiful remnant of the game farm that once existed in this area, and are relentless invaders requiring the implementation of a variety of control methods over several years. We have made great headway on several acres that we will expand upon this morning. Volunteers will cut down these shrubs to provide room for park staff to return and perform subsequent treatment. Any Japanese barberry shrubs found will also be dug-up and left to dry out.Job Duties:- Cut back Autumn Olive shrubs using hand saws, loppers, or pruners- Dig or hand pull invasive Japanese BarberryNotes:- Training, plant removal tools, and supplies will be provided- Precautions for the thorns, ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should also be taken- This event may be cancelled in the case of adverse weather conditions (such as moderate to heavy precipitation, high winds, or lightning)Please Bring/Wear:- Drinking water- Snacks, if desired- Work gloves- Long pants- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes- Eye protection (recommended)- Appropriate clothing for the weather, including sun protection
Dates: 11/04/2025 - 11/04/2025
