If you find yourself inspired by Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment or have always wanted to be a part of the sustainability effort at Holy Cross Abbey–or need a good workout–we can offer you an opportunity through September and October.
Now that the bird nesting season (15 May through 15 August) is over, we can return to trimming away the growth around the trees planted by our streams last year. The fencing in of our streams to exclude the cattle and the planting of native trees and bushes to protect the streams, local wildlife and encourage biodiversity is part of a federal reclamation program (CREP), funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
I need just twelve volunteers who can offer just a couple of hours of work to cut back the surrounding weeds and grasses.
What do those volunteers need? General good health, stamina and willingness to take responsibility for your well-being. Sturdy shoes/work boots, long pants (you really don’t want to try this in shorts), long sleeves, sun glasses, hat, sweat band, work gloves. A weed-wacker (preferable) or hand scythe. The terrain is too uneven, rocky or muddy, and the trees too close, in most places to use a bush hog. Volunteers working in pairs is ideal for safety and health reasons. Everyone can make his/her own hours and days. We only ask each volunteer to clear one acre–at most a couple of hours work. The work can be done in installments.
You can respond and ask for further details through the comment box.
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