Faulkes Heritage Woods Restoration

Join the City of Marion, Trees Forever, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation at Faulkes Heritage Woods in Marion for an afternoon of removing invasive Japanese barberry from the woodland understory. The natural occurrence of the 2020 derecho devastated the 110 acres of white oaks — a tree that takes generations to grow into the mighty oaks we all admire. The downed trees created canopy gaps that allow barberry to flourish, where it shades out native spring ephemerals and competes with young white oak seedlings — key species needed to rebuild the resilient oak canopy that once kept invasive plants in check. 

We hope you’ll join us as a community to help us ensure that future generations get to once again enjoy a stroll amongst the mighty white oaks. We'll start the afternoon with a half-mile hike to warm up before we get to work. After the restoration work, we'll regroup at Goldfinch Tap+Eatery to celebrate over a hard-earned beverage.

**If weather conditions are unfavorable on April 3, the event will be rescheduled for Friday, April 10, from 1–4 p.m.

ABOUT FAULKES HERITAGE WOODS

Sisters Alice Smith and Elizabeth Barry, along with their nieces, Nancy and Cynthia Thompson, donated a portion of the land value of what is now known as Faulkes Heritage Woods to INHF in 1999. The habitat was named in honor of their grandmother and great-grandmother, Alice Faulkes. Sticking to the family's wishes of increasing awareness around conservation needs, INHF transferred the land to the City of Marion, ensuring it would become the beloved public park it is today — protected in perpetuity through an INHF conservation easement.

This 110-acre wildlife haven has not only provided refuge for woodland creatures and a favorite hiking destination for the Marion community, but has also served as an outdoor classroom for nearby colleges and schools focused on environmental education.

Learn more and register to volunteer at https://www.inhf.org/events/faulkes-heritage-woods-restoration

What to expect:

• We’ll be using various hand tools (handsaws or loppers) to manually cut invasive brush so native species can thrive.
• No experience necessary. Instruction will be provided onsite, but you can view a how-to video ahead of time here.
• Participants will work to remove plants with thorns.

Please bring:

• A water bottle
• Long pants and long sleeves (that you don't mind getting dirty or torn)
• Leather work gloves
• Sturdy shoes
• Sun protection
• All other equipment provided

Details:

Please note: Terrain can be steep and hilly. All volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level.

• Children and families welcome
• You will be asked to acknowledge a liability waiver upon registration
• There is no bathroom onsite.
• Barberry bush is a thorny brush — please wear durable clothing.
• Please arrive 10 minutes early to park and check-in.

Questions?

Contact Kayleen Leetch at kleetch@inhf.org