Help remove invasive plants from Squam Lakes Association trailhead next weekend

HOLDERNESS — On Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. to noon, the Squam Lakes Association invites community members to join them in removing invasive plants from the Rattlesnake Trailhead on Route 113 in Holderness.

The SLA began pulling invasive species from this area last year. Three truckloads of oriental bittersweet were removed thanks to the hard work of SLA staff and volunteers. This year, the SLA plans to pick up where they left off last year at one of the area's most popular trailheads.

"Removing invasives is a big job," says SLA Director of Conservation Rebecca Hanson, "but the hard work can be fun and satisfying with a great group of volunteers."

In the Squam Lakes Region there are a number of terrestrial invasive plants that choke out native plants, reduce biodiversity, and negatively impact wildlife. The SLA, in partnership with other area conservation organizations including the Squam Lakes Conservation Society, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, is committed to managing the spread of invasive species and the restoration of impacted habitats.

Participants will also learn some basic plant identification and techniques for managing and removing invasive species common in the Squam Lakes region. The SLA will provide tools, water, and snacks. For more information, or to sign up visit the SLA website:squamlakes.org, or contact the organization directly at 603-968-7336 or info@squamlakes.org.