On Saturday I headed over to Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center to help with a end of the year clean out of the center's hummingbird garden. Normally at this time of year events such as this are unthinkable, but with the unseasonably warm weather we have been having the staff at Jacobsburg along with Master Gardeners decided to give it a try.
The volunteers met in front of the office where Educator Rick Wiltraut gave a short talk on what we would be doing for the day. I thought the turnout was excellent and I was happy to see that so many people cared and were willing to participate. We then headed over to the garden where we met the Master Gardeners who were already at work. They took the time to talk about invasive species and had examples of several species that still can be identified at this time of year. Everyone then formed into small groups working on different sections of the garden.
The first truckload was accumulated quickly. I ended up with the very simple task of helping Rick dump the unwanted vegetation at a composting area in a different section of the park.
A good portion of the fence surrounding the garden was overgrown. The volunteers did an excellent job of not only clearing off the fence, but also fixed the broken rails as well.
Here a volunteer works on cutting back the Trumpet Vine that envelops the arbor at the entrance to the garden.
This group removed some of the heaviest items of the day. They worked on a non-native that had to come out roots and all and they did this in large chunks. This photo was taken after most of the work was already done in this section.
The wetland grasses being trimmed down in this photo are an non-native and unwanted species that has engulfed the artificial wetland made here. The idea is to first trim them down and then they will be covered for an extended period of time with the hope of eliminating them from the area. Once this is complete native wetland plants can be added to replace them.
Every time we returned with the truck it was instantly filled back up again. I had no idea this much was going to be accomplished.
I would like to point out that the majority of the plant matter filling the trucks is from non-native/invasive species. Many of these species made their own way into the garden and are very abundant in the surrounding area, some however were planted, most likely by individuals with good intentions. This garden, like other similar ones in other state parks, is there for educational purposes and specific plants are planted and labeled in the beds here. Some think that adding a plant that they might like helps out the park, sadly it does not and leads to more work for park employees and volunteers. If you ever have a plant you want to donate to a garden such as this please check with the main office first to make sure it is native and would be a helpful addition.
The amount of pruning and weeding done on this volunteer day is evident in these photos. All of the volunteers worked hard and the difference in this garden is amazing. I wish I could have gotten to the park early enough to have taken before pictures.
Starting in the spring volunteers will be helping to maintain the garden throughout the year. For visitors to Jacobsburg the Hummingbird Garden is a great place to not only learn, but also connect with wildlife. When its native flowers are in bloom the garden attracts a variety of birds and insects. The pond at the back of the garden serves as a breeding site for several native frog species. There are also mammals that frequent the area as I found out when taking the shots above, I came across a small rodent that I couldn't identify and it was out of site quick enough I couldn't snap a photo.
After everyone left I took a short walk down to the Bushkill Creek with a stop at the bird blind. On the left is a Tufted Titmouse an abundant and common species that often comes to feeders. If you look at its right leg this one was banded. On the right is a Nuthatch another common species.
I would like to thank all of the volunteers that attended this clean out of the Hummingbird Garden. The work you put into this project does make a difference and next year will help to educate those who visit Jacobsburg about our native plants and wildlife!
You too can help with taking out the trash! If you get out hiking take a grocery bag with you, give it a second use and fill it with trash while you are out! Every bit helps. You can also help contributing to this project at: gofundme.com/takingoutthetrash
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