Audubon Center Needs Help

With Alien Plants

SOUTHBURY — Volunteers are needed to join forces with staff members of Audubon Center Bent of the River in the yearly battle against alien invasive plant species, such as barberry, autumn olive, and Oriental bittersweet, which present a constant danger to ecosystems.

These strong, determined plants aggressively stake out territory, smothering wildflowers and degrading wildlife habitat. They need to be removed by hand, which is hard but rewarding work.

The battle will begin at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, May 19. Subsequent two-hour sessions will be held on alternate Wednesdays throughout the growing season. Hand tools will be provided.

Bent of the River, a 650-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature education center owned and managed by the National Audubon Society, is at 185 East Flat Hill Road in South Britain, about a half mile from Connecticut Route 172. The center’s grounds and trails are open to visitors seven days a week during daylight hours.

The historic barn is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. For more information call 264-5098 during business hours.