Eco-A partners with Friends of Lionel Hampton-Beecher Hills Nature Preserve for a Stewardship Training learn/work session.

We’ll begin with an urban forest orientation to the unusually high value of this large nature preserve, followed by a training and work session on how to recognize and remove invasive species.The walk will feature how to “read” the history, health, and value of the forest by recognizing the native trees, plants, and signs of wildlife presence that are often overlooked.

The session will conclude with a work session alongside neighbors and friends as we work together to recognize certain invasive species and remove them before they have a chance to get started. This is the most cost-effective way to keep the park healthy and restore native biodiversity. These skills can be applied to any forest or woodland area in our region – maybe even your backyard.

Plan for about a 1.5-2 mile walk on narrow natural trails, with a few moderate hills. We may go a little off trail in some places. Water, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toed shoes, and work gloves are recommended.

*Stewardship walk participants will additionally be eligible for Eco-A Naturalist/Stewardship certification. Trained volunteers can then become greenspace “docents,” teaching others and leading volunteer and restoration groups.

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

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

More about James Tyler (at right):

James Tyler is Co-Chair of the Friends of Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, is a naturalist-in-the-making, and an avid bicyclist. He is active in Southwest Atlanta Parks that, as he says, “quietly provide life giving and life sustaining tree canopy that moderates our City’s climate. These forests exude psychological and health benefits to the surrounding neighborhood residents yet are often taken for granted.”