This past Saturday, more than 25 individuals participated as Wetland Weed Warriors and came out on a very cold morning to help remove exotic plants from our wetland at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.  This man made wetland, created through a sponsorship from St. Johns River Water Management District and the City of Maitland, helps treat runoff from the nearby roadway and helps maintain the health of Lake Sybelia.  This area (approximately 1/10 of an acre) has become overgrown by many non-native vines and plants, which have prevented the natives from flourishing.  Native plants within our wetland greatly help support a healthy lakefront habitat and provide a food base for wading birds and fish.

Volunteers got down and dirty and helped to clear this area in preparation for herbicide treatment followed by planting in the spring.  This wetland event was day two of a primarily hand removal process.  Disney VoluntEARs joined Audubon staff and volunteers on Friday to start this laborious process.  They graciously donated the use of a large dumpster to remove the plant waste.  Saturday’s event was part of the TogetherGreen initiative, a program empowering individuals to take part in conservation within their communities.  The Center joined forces with Hands on Orlando to recruit volunteers for this event as part of their Martin Luther King Days of Service.  This event was one of many, where Hands on Orlando placed volunteers with different organizations to give back in Central Florida.

The next TogetherGreen Volunteer Day event:  February 11, 2012 at 9:00am.  Birdhouse Bonanza - check the event section of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Facebook Page for details.