News.bytes Extra, issue 551

Volunteers help BLM "bash ivy" at Arcata-area NPLD event

Two of the youngest volunteers at the event.

On Saturday September 29, more than 50 volunteers and BLM staff participated in an “ivy bash” at Luffenholtz County Park. The event was organized on Humboldt County lands covered in thick ivy. The intent was to prevent weeds like ivy from spreading to the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM), which neighbors the county property to the west.

Volunteers gathered at 9 am with the help of a shuttle from the Trinidad Rancheria, as there was limited parking at the site. A safety briefing was followed by enthusiastic workers successfully filling a 40-yard dumpster with non-native ivy and pampas grass.

BLM worked with CCNM Gateway partners to make the event a success. Audubon provided lunch for all the volunteers and Trinidad Rancheria provided the needed shuttle. The Trinidad Coastal Land Trust provided tools and weed pulling expertise. BLM brought coffee and homemade pastries made by BLM staff for the morning safety briefing. With the help of a local neighbor with a Bobcat loader the group bashed more than 40 yards of ivy at the worksite.

Two volunteers pull up a carpet of invasive ivy.

Volunteers in the process of filling the 40-yard dumpster with weeds.

Volunteers haul pampas grass from the site.

A mother and son work among other volunteers.

The day started with a safety briefing.

Volunteers pose for their group photo, with a full dumpster.

-Leisyka Parrott, Interpretive Specialist, Bureau of Land Management, BLM Arcata Field Office

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