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Redway School 4th-Grade Students Learn About Invasive Plants
On a warm spring day, Mr. Stoffel’s 4th-Grade Class from Redway Elementary School had an opportunity to pull invasive plants from the overgrown Dogwood Lane, in lower Redway. Americorps Watershed Stewards Project (WSP) members coordinating this event were Erin Hicks and Jessica Braren. This was their Individual Service Project (ISP) for WSP, which is one of the major focuses of their Americorps term of service. Their projects are watershed enhancement/watershed restoration focused projects that involve public volunteers. Additional WSP helpers included Sonja Kulstad-Hurst and Melissa Scott. Local resident Ruth Goodfield, director of the Eel River Watershed Improvement Group, was also there to lend a hand.
Working along with State Parks Environmental Scientist, Michelle Forys and the Department of Fish & Game Biologist from Fortuna, Allan Renger, students were guided on identifying French Broom, locally called Scotch Broom, and English Ivy. Then they were taught how to pull them out and remove them from the area.
The area the class focused on is Dogwood Lane, now overgrown. It use to an old-time favorite spot for camping near Redway Beach. Last year this area suffered two major fires that put upslope residents as risk. When the second fire occurred local fire fighters cleared the area, revealing its beauty, ancient trees and views of the river. As an orphaned section of nearby State Parks, it is wanting for some tender care. Once cleared it can once again be enjoyed as a local park with room to stretch your legs. Anyone interested in taking this project on please contact Nadananda, who is very interested but needs help.