Volunteer Day

Volunteer Stewardship Day: Invasive Species Removal

at Bask Retreat Center

Join us for a hands-on volunteer stewardship day at Bask Retreat Center as we work together to restore a unique wetland ecosystem in the Western Highland Rim. This event focuses on the removal of Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)—an aggressive invasive species that threatens native plant communities by blocking sunlight and outcompeting local flora.

By removing privet, we’re creating space for native wetland plants to thrive, supporting long-term biodiversity and ecological health across the land.

‍

Event Details

Date: Monday, February 16, 2026 (Presidents’ Day)
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bask Retreat Center
Address: 609 Wades Branch Road

‍

What We’ll Be Doing

Volunteers will help remove invasive Chinese Privet by hand-pulling young plants and cutting larger shrubs with loppers. Removed plant material will be gathered and staged for haul-away near the trails.

Staff will apply herbicide only to cut stumps to prevent regrowth—no spraying involved.

This is a physical, outdoor activity that includes walking on uneven, wet, or soggy ground, kneeling, and using hand tools. While some tasks may be strenuous, effort levels vary throughout the day and plenty of breaks are encouraged.

‍

Event Schedule

• 1:00 PM – Arrival, sign-in, and waivers
• 1:15 PM – Brief orientation and tool distribution
• 1:30 PM – Break into small groups and begin work
• 3:45 PM – Group debrief, reflections, and sign-out
• 4:00 PM – Celebrate a job well done!

Volunteers are welcome to leave early—just be sure to sign out so we know you’ve made it safely out of the bog (😅).

‍

Why This Matters

This project supports Bask’s land restoration and grassland stewardship goals by:

• Increasing sunlight at ground level to support native wetland species
• Helping volunteers learn how to identify and safely remove Chinese Privet—skills you can take home with you
• Exploring how invasive species spread due to changes in land use and hydrology
• Strengthening collaboration between Bask Retreat Center and SGI to improve biodiversity on this important site

If time allows, volunteers may also learn to identify and remove other invasive woody species competing with native bog plants.

‍

About the Site

This wetland likely originated from an old beaver dam meadow along Wades Branch Creek, creating rich soils that support diverse native plant life. The area is home to species such as cardinal flower, sensitive fern, and tall ironweed, among many others. Removing evergreen privet will allow light to return to the forest floor—an essential step for restoring these native plants during the next growing season.

‍

What’s Provided

• Loppers
• Some snacks and water
• Restrooms (located a 5–10 minute walk from the work site)

‍

What to Bring

• Gloves (extra pair recommended)
• Rubber boots or shoes that can get muddy
• Long sleeves, long pants, and eye protection
• A willingness to get a little dirty and make a real impact

‍

Parking & Arrival

Parking is available in the north field at Bask
Coordinates: 35.712567, -87.529431

Enter via the gravel drive on Wades Branch Road—it can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out. Event signage will be placed at the road to guide you in.

We’re grateful for your time, energy, and care for the land. Come ready to learn, move your body, and be part of meaningful restoration work—together 🌾

‍

‍

‍