When: September 20, 2025 @ 9:00 am
Lend a helping hand to a beautiful and biodiverse wetland
Here in WNC, our wetlands are some of the most biodiverse places on the east coast. They provide refuge to countless species of fish, birds, mosses, salamanders, insects, wildflowers, bats, and more! Unfortunately, these rich habitats are also prone to infestation by invasive species, and a phenomenon that Klatt Wetland in Franklin is experiencing. The nonnative, invasive Marsh Dewflower (Murdannia keisak) forms a thick carpet over this wetland in the growing season, effectively smothering the native plants that would otherwise flourish here. This plant is hard to control, but seems to be knocked back by physical removal at the end of the season, which is a job made easier by many hands! Join forces with Mainspring to tell this plant to get lost and make this wetland homey for our native plants once more.
During this workday, the main task will be pulling over-zealous Marsh Dewflower by hand, though we may also try other methods such as tarping. This work will require bending or kneeling for extended periods of time, as well as finger strength and dexterity. Marsh Dewflower is a wetland plant, and so wearing pants and muck boots is recommended. Mainspring has waders available to borrow; if you’d like to borrow a pair please indicate your shoe size on the registration form.
We will meet just before 9:00am on Saturday, September 20th at a gravel pull-off about a mile south of the Cowee School. Please see the map below for exact location. If needed, we may park volunteers with adequate clearance and AWD or 4WD in the field across the street. A staff member will be present to direct parking; just look for the “Mainspring event” signs! No experience is required; Mainspring will provide snacks, tools, and any necessary training. Please bring work gloves (if you have them), plenty of water, sun and bug protection, and anything else you need to be comfortable outside for the duration of this event. This workday will run until 12:00pm.
Please fill out the form below to register. This event is weather-dependent. Please leave pets at home. Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions.
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