Lake Accotink Restoration Project
COYOTES TO THE RESCUE!
“The Invasive Management Area (IMA) program is a volunteer-led pilot project of the Fairfax County Park Authority to reduce invasive alien plants and our parklands.”
GWCS students, and dog Sammy, arrived at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia early Saturday morning on March 19, 2022. Beverly, a Fairfax Master Naturalist and Site Director, greeted us and taught us why invasive species are an issue, how they came to these and similar woods, and how to properly remove the weeds. Fairfax County Park Authority came prepared! They provided all the volunteers with gloves, shovels, clippers, bags, as well as poison ivy and insect repellents! We were shown different areas of the park that needed attention and we got right to work. We dug, clipped, and pulled invasive weeds such as English Ivy, Honeysuckle, and Kudzu Tuber. After our hard work we were treated to hot chocolate, snacks, and an opportunity to mingle with fellow volunteers. It was an exuberating experience with laughs, fresh air, citing of animals (we saw a healthy beautiful fox trot across the field), and a great workout! I highly recommend this opportunity- thank you IMA for putting on a great event!
GW Community School
Lake Accotink Restoration Project
Julia Kohler
March 19, 2022