Come join our partners at Briarlake Forest tackle a patch of invasive Wisteria — and we’ll collect some of the vines for baskets. Wisteria vines are quite flexible when green, yet they are tough and fibrous and great for crafting baskets. The vines take shape well, then dry for sturdy, long-serving pieces. 

Non-native Chinese Wisteria is one of the most aggressive invasive species, and when left unchecked, will over-grow even the largest trees, eventually killing them. The wisteria at Briarlake Forest isn’t yet nearly as bad as what we see in the photo (at right), but that’s why we want to cut it back while it’s manageable and before it over grows the park’s trees. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated!

We’ll just do a short walk, about 1/2 mile, and work in off-trail locations. Please wear long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, and work gloves are highly recommended. 

Due to Covid-19 precautions, we are not currently re-using gloves, so please bring your own gloves, or we can provide a brand new, unused pair for $5 you can take home with you (and use next time).

We’ll supply tools such as clippers, loppers, small saws, and digging tools.  

Note: Participation in this Stewardship session counts as credit toward completion of our online Eco-Literacy course, click here for details.

To register (RSVP) click HERE – details and directions sent to registered participants. 

A donation of $15 or more helps support our programs.

Wisteria on forest trees (top) and “strangling” a Red Oak (right). Photos by KKolb.