Community Invasive Species Cleanup at the Preserve: Return of the Trail Crew
Every story needs a strong finish, and this is ours. After starting downtown with A New Hope and then standing up to mugwort in The Mugwort Strikes Back, we now head into the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve for the final part of our invasive species cleanup series. Return of the Trail Crew is where everything we’ve learned comes together in a space that shows both the challenges and the possibilities of caring for the land we share.
Why the preserve matters
The preserve is more than just trails and trees. It is a living classroom, a gathering place, and a glimpse of what healthy ecosystems can look like when they are supported and protected. But like the downtown spaces we’ve worked on, the preserve is also under pressure. Invasive plants threaten to spread along the trails, choke out native growth, and weaken the biodiversity that makes this place so special.
By taking our cleanup efforts here, we are stepping into a deeper level of stewardship. This is not just about tidying up. It is about actively restoring balance to an environment where birds, pollinators, and native plants depend on us to make space for them to thrive.
What you’ll do
We will begin with a walk through the preserve to identify invasive species in a natural setting. You’ll see how they spread along the trails and into the understory, and you’ll learn how to recognize them in the middle of a forest environment rather than a sidewalk crack or downtown lot. From there, we’ll spend time on hands-on removal, focusing on key areas where invasives threaten to push out native plants.
Working in the preserve brings its own rewards. Every patch we clear opens the door for healthier growth and improves the experience for future visitors. You’ll leave with a sense of how small, steady actions make a visible difference in larger natural spaces.
Building on the series
Return of the Trail Crew is the final chapter in our three-part series on combating invasive species. Together we have raised awareness, practiced identification, and taken action downtown. We’ve faced one of the most stubborn plants in our area with persistence and teamwork. Now, in this last event, we bring that knowledge into the preserve, where the work connects directly to the future of our trails and outdoor education efforts.
You don’t need to have attended the first two events to join this one, but if you did, this is your chance to put everything you’ve learned into action. And even if this is your first time, you’ll be part of something that is bigger than one cleanup. You’ll be contributing to a series of steps that show what is possible when a community commits to restoring its natural spaces.
What you’ll take away
By the end of the event, you’ll leave with:
- The ability to identify invasives in both urban and natural settings.
- Hands-on experience in trail and preserve stewardship.
- A deeper connection to the preserve as a shared community resource.
- The satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped make space for native species to return.
Why it matters
Restoring balance is a long-term project. Invasives will not disappear overnight, but every effort makes the preserve stronger. Each person who shows up adds to the collective power of our community to care for the land. When we return to hike, bike, or simply walk the trails, we’ll know we played a part in making them healthier.
Return of the Trail Crew is more than the end of a series. It is a reminder that stewardship is ongoing and that by working together, we can leave behind a legacy of care for those who come after us.
