Invasives Removal Squad (IRS)
The GPTF Invasives Removal Squad keeps monitoring and performing non-native invasives removals to support the health of our local ecosystem. We also organize clean-up campaigns. If you love the outdoors and want to protect it, please contact us!
Partnership with the Hastings Vine Removal Squad in Hillside Woods
January 10, 2021
The GPTF members worked with the Hastings Vine Removal Squad on the removal of non-native invasive vines such as Oriental bittersweet, English ivy and Porcelain-berry in Hillside Woods. The group also planted the northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and named it “Wisahkakw” after the Lenape People.
Invasive Species Volunteer Day in the Irvington Woods Park
December 13, 2020
The Irvington Woods Committee in partnership with the Irvington Green Policy Task Force organized the “Invasive Species Volunteer Day in the Irvington Woods Park”. Volunteers helped the woods be healthier by removing invasive vines and Japanese barberry bushes.
Educating the Young
February 8, 2020
The GPTF and Haven Colgate of the Hastings Vine Removal Squad organized a special session for a group of 8-year-old scouts, their sisters, and their parents who learned the reasons why it is important to remove invasive non-native vines, and later the participants lopped invasives on the OCA. Information on non-native invasive plants is available through the Lower Hudson PRISM website. Consider removing them from your yard too!
Thank Nature Day
December 1, 2019
The squad organized their first event in collaboration with the Hastings Vine Removal Squad, Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct (Friends), and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Two dozen volunteers came out on a chilly day to help remove and prune invasive plants and clean up litter along the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail (OCA), between Main Street and Matthiessen Road. If you would like to read more, click here.
