The West Hartford Garden Club will host an educational walk that will also include the opportunity to participate in the removal of invasive plants as part of a long-term restoration project.

Members of the West Hartford Garden Club have been meeting weekly to remove invasive plants from Spicebush Swamp. Courtesy photo

By Ronni Newton

Community members have been meeting most Mondays to clear out the invasive plants in West Hartford’s Spicebush Swamp, and on Sunday, Oct. 20, from noon to 3 p.m., will host an “Invasive Plant Removal Party,” which will combine an educational walk with the opportunity to assist in their efforts.

“A group of West Hartford Garden Club members, Connecticut Master Gardeners, and other community members are whittling away at the invasive plant colonies at Spicebush most Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m.,” said Beth Ann Loveland Sennett, a Master Gardener who is co-chair of the West Hartford Garden Club’s Civic Projects Committee.

The Invasive Plant Removal Party on Oct. 20 will include an educational walk through the property where invasive species will be identified, and low-impact removal techniques will be explained – and utilized.

“Our group has been successful at using low-impact removal techniques, relying heavily on cutting invasives to the soil level to prevent photosynthesis and exhaust roots,” Loveland Sennett said. “We are restoring this park by removing the tenacious invasive plants that have damaged the site and have worked to install native plants in their place wherever possible. Invasive Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata), Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) are current targets.

Japanese Knotweed is one of the invasive species that the West Hartford Garden Club is looking to remove from Spicebush Swamp. Courtesy photo

Loveland Sennett warned that the terrain is uneven and soggy, not an ideal event for those with mobility difficulties.

“The West Hartford Garden Club has been a wonderful partner with Leisure Services,” said Director of Leisure and Social Services Helen Rubino-Turco. “They are knowledgeable, energetic and dedicated. They usually work every Monday at Spicebush Swamp Park, but this is a special invitation to join a weekend effort. They share not only their time but their expertise. They will happily educate anyone about invasive plants. I really appreciate their sweat equity in our parks!”

Those interested in attending should contact Loveland Sennett by email ([email protected]), phone, or text (860-729-4150). She will have handouts and other important information to distribute, and also asks that attendees arrive by noon for instructions.

Spicebush Swamp is located at 173 Mountain Road, West Hartford. There is a small parking lot onsite, and additional parking across Mountain Road on Gloucester Lane. Caution is urged when crossing Mountain Road.

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