Saturday, September 15, from 1:00 – 5:00 pm there will be a combined effort between the RIDEM, USFWS, RINHS and IPANE to hand pull populations of Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) at the Burlingame Campground in Charlestown, Rhode Island.

Volunteers will be meeting at 1:00 pm on the campground’s Athletic Field, which is located in the southeastern portion of the campground. Alternatively, USFWS volunteers will be meeting at the Kettle Pond Visitor’s Center parking lot at 12:45 and walking to the campground Athletic Field.

Japanese stilt grass is a non-native, and highly invasive, annual grass which has recently been observed in several locations in Rhode Island. The grass typically grows in moist habitats, and is shade tolerant. The populations were first observed at the Burlingame Campground in 2005 by an IPANE volunteer. There are several populations at the campground, most in association with recently dug drainage ditches. Microstegium has begun to follow drainage water courses toward Watchaug Pond and the wetland habitat at the fringe of the pond. Seeds are viable in the soil for approximately 7 seven years. By pulling the grass now, the groups hope to prevent establishment of the species within the undisturbed wetland habitat that surrounds Watchaug Pond, and further spreading to the USFWS Kettle Pond Preserve and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Kimball Wildlife Refuge.

Light weight gloves, bottled water, and insect repellent are recommended. Plastic bags for disposal of the grass will be provided.

Click here for directions to the campground. Email Hope Leeson for more information.

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