September 29, 2010: The Wall Street Journal today surveyed volunteer invasive plant eradication programs across the country. A prime example in the article was the work of the Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek, which involves some members of the Cheverly Garden Club:
"That fall, Ms. Smith and her husband put a notice in the town newsletter asking neighbors to help them clear weeds and build a trail. To their surprise, about 15 people showed up on a Saturday morning. "It was a whole lot of people we would have never met before, but who were all interested in having a place to take their kids and walk the dog," says Ms. Smith. "People brought weed whackers, chain saws, and we hacked our way through very dense, overgrown woods."
Today, a regular weed-clearing takes place on the last Saturday of every month. The group calls themselves Friends of Lower Beaverdam Creek, Ms. Smith says, and brings plenty of coffee. Now, the trail is almost a mile long and growing. Homemade markers point to native trees such as paw-paws and birches that once were choked. Volunteers have noticed a return of birds and butterflies."
Also mentioned in the article was Montgomery County's "Weed Warrior" program which involves several members of District IV garden clubs.
