Invasive Plant Walk Talk & Cut at the Scotland Public Library

On August 30, 2025, our group of twelve or so joined up with Rose Hiskes and Dr. Charlotte Pyle of The Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group to learn more about invasive plants and native plants as well.  The day was clear and absolutely perfect. As we hiked along the trail, I came to realize how enjoyable it was to meet with like-minded people all of whom were well informed about the impact invasive plants are having on our landscape.  Rose and Charlotte were especially knowledgeable, providing us with botanical terminology and various ways to detect some of the invasive species no matter the season.  In addition to the invasive plants, they pointed out some exceptional native specimens growing along the trail.  

The trail along the boardwalk at the library is a soothing and peaceful spot.  The boardwalk itself is truly special, definitely worthy of preservation, as the boards used in its construction were purchased years ago by town residents and inscribed with their names or names of their loved ones, past and present residents of our town.  Unfortunately, over the years, the entrance to the boardwalk became so overgrown that you might not even realize the trail existed. 

After our informative walk with Rose and Charlotte, and a wonderful lunch which included a variety of delicious pizzas, a generous donation from our town's nip fund, we returned to the trail armed with energy, clippers, and various brush cutting tools.  About two hours later our group amassed a huge pile of invasive bittersweet, multiflora rose, and burning bush branches. I am excited to report that the opening to the trail is now once again visible!

After posting various "Wanted Reward for Outlaw Plant Posters" for invasive plants linking to articles this website, I was asked "What exactly is the reward?"  I can now affirm there are numerous rewards.  The camaraderie of working together with people is probably the most important one.  There is also the reward of accomplishment you feel when you step back and see the impact your work has made.  Then there is the reward of acquired knowledge.  In addition, a little bit of exercise can also be kind of rewarding.  Depending on which side of 60 you fall on, you might feel a tad achy the following morning from stretching to cut vines and from pulling out roots, but even that actually feels pretty good.

We will be meeting again in the not-too-distant future.  Feel free to join us next time if you missed the opportunity the first time.  I will keep you posted as to the date on the Scotland Residents FB page.  At the next meeting there will be no limit to the number of participants.  Stay as long as you can.  You don't need arrive at the beginning or to stay to the end of the work period.  Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.  Let's work together and get this trail back into shape!