On a Saturday morning, I joined a small group of volunteers at Sibley Park to help restore a native bunchgrass-wildflower meadow located about ten minutes from the main parking lot. Our main goal is to remove invasive species that threaten the native plants. Before starting, we walk through the meadow to identify which species to keep and which to remove.
Most of my time is spent hand-pulling weeds like thistles and non-native grasses. For tougher plants with deep roots, I use small tools to loosen the soil before removing them completely to prevent regrowth. We make sure to collect any seed heads from invasive plants so they don’t spread further. Once a section is cleared, we shake off excess dirt, pile the weeds for disposal, and check for any remaining roots.
After we finish weeding, we sometimes collect seeds from native plants such as Mule’s Ears or Needlegrass to replant in bare patches. The process repeats week after week, slowly helping the meadow recover and allowing native species to return.
Best Wishes,
Jessica Ngok
Letters To Earth 