Make your way to the woods for a spring morning outdoors! Volunteers will hand-pull garlic mustard—one of Iowa’s most invasive plants—from Mathes’ woodlands. Garlic mustard spreads rapidly and displaces native plants and wildflowers, causing serious damage to wooded landscapes if left unchecked. We’ll start the morning pulling garlic mustard and wrap up with a moderately difficult hike while keeping an eye out for spring ephemerals.
What to expect
- Volunteers will hand-pull garlic mustard
- Bending and kneeling will be involved
- Terrain can be hilly and uneven. Volunteers are encouraged to work at their own pace and comfort level.
- No experience necessary
- Instructions will be provided onsite, but you can view a how-to video ahead of time here.
Learn more and register to volunteer at https://www.inhf.org/events/mathes-woodland-restoration
Needed attire & equipment
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots
- Long pants and layers. You may be working with thorny plants so sturdy clothes that can withstand rips (or you don't mind ripping) are encouraged.
- Work gloves (Leather is best - we'll have some extras if needed)
- Water bottle
- Feel free to bring other desired items like a hiking stick, binoculars, field guide and/or camera, if you like!
Other details
- Families are welcome
- Please arrive 10 minutes early.
- There will be no restroom on site. The nearest restroom will be in Pella, which is about a 10-minute drive.
- A moderately challenging walk roughly 100 yards from the meeting location will be required.
- Mathes does not have a parking area, so participants will park alongside the gravel road (Dakota Drive) near the meeting location.
- Expect to work on wooded hillsides with moderate slopes.
- Expect to interact with general woodland plants, including thorny shrubs, as well as occasional logs or fallen trees. Gloves will be provided if desired.
- You will be asked to acknowledge a liability waiver when you register.
About Mathes
The Mathes Property encompasses 51 acres with rolling hills of oak/hickory savanna, woodland and a plethora of spring ephemeral wildflowers. The property sits atop a ridge just before dropping into the South Skunk River floodplain north of the property. This natural area sits just a few miles outside the town of Pella and is a refuge for wildlife, including deer, turkey, owls and a number of birds. Mathes came to INHF through a bequest from former landowner, Harold Mathes, in 2010. It is now owned and stewarded by INHF.
Directions
From Pella, head north on Main St. about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto 228th Pl. until the stop sign. Turn left onto 240th Pl. to the first gravel road. Turn left on Dakota Dr. and look for INHF signs.
Contact Kayleen Leetch with questions at kleetch@inhf.org
