Volunteers needed for Wetlands Walk boardwalk on Aug. 20, 22

GILFORD — Volunteers are essential for caring for the Wetlands Walk boardwalk and its area at Gunstock. Help will be needed at the Wetlands Walk on Thursday, Aug. 20, and Saturday, Aug. 22, both from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers are welcome for all or part of the time. Removing invasive weeds such at purple loosestrife, glossy buckthorn and oriental bittersweet are helping to manage them. There are only a few loosestrife plants to dig out, buckthorn is pulled along damp woods edges and bittersweet vines are tucked into the sumac. The red flowering sumac helps feed the birds healthy food. Keeping the invasive plants from producing seed is part of the goal. From May to October, there are native wildflowers blooming at the Wetlands Walk, currently Joe Pye weed (tall pink), blue vervain (purple), spirea (pink or white), boneset (white), golden rod (yellow) and others brighten the area.

Other volunteer tasks include cleaning the boardwalk surface and the name plates, minor carpentry for leveling and new posts, sanding and priming and painting the bumper for the visually impaired.

Belknap County Conservation District has a pollinator garden that will need some crabgrass (non-native variety) pulled before it goes to seed. Snacks, water and beverages provided.

Email bccdvolunteer@gmail.com for gate access information. Helpers under 18 must bring a parent or guardian adult with them. Community Service Certificates are available, and groups welcome.

If the weather is severe, the day will be cancelled, but showers are OK. For more information, call the BCCD office at 603-527-5880, volunteer Jan at 603-707-9760, or send an email to bccdvolunteer@gmail.com.