Our ISF Standard and Intermediate surveyors are out on the trail, surveying and collecting data on where some of the most prolific stands of invasive species are located throughout the region. This data influences future volunteer removal days as well as larger scale removal projects led by the ISF Crew. So far this season, we have over 90 volunteers surveying nearly 130 miles of hiking trails, and 25 volunteers participating in invasive species removals! Our ISF Blockbuster Surveyors are tackling the challenging task of surveying for 27 invasive species in three different habitat types within a 3 x 3 mile block. Many of these invasive species are uncommon and difficult to spot, so it takes a keen eye to spot them. This season, we have 21 blocks assigned to 18 volunteers It's not just about invasive plants, either! The Southern Pine Beetle monitors are diligently checking and maintaining traps for the invasive insect throughout the region, and this season we have 7 volunteers for the project. While not directly working with invasives, our Rare and Endangered Plant Monitors and Habitat Helpers are instrumental to the program, who focus on surveying for protected native plants along the Appalachian Trail and maintaining the native landscaping at the Trail Conference Headquarters, respectively. Monitoring for rare native plants is crucial in advocating for further resources going to the protection of the land they reside on, such as invasive species removals! By maintaining a native landscape, the Habitat Helpers' goal is to not leave space for invaders to move in, as well as provide food and shelter for our native wildlife. This season, we have 14 volunteers monitoring for 23 rare and endangered plants at 13 sites. We also have 62 Habitat Helper volunteers who have dedicated hours to maintaining our native landcape. Awesome job!
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