Natural areas need friends

The Friends of the Campus Natural Areas are looking to add to their numbers.

The group, an affiliate of the Friends of the Arboretum, has been removing invasive buckthorn, honeysuckle and mulberry from Eagle Heights Woods since last fall. The woods are located on the far west end of campus next to the Village of Shorewood Hills.

“We also hope to cut down a few junk trees to develop a good view of Lake Mendota,” says Tom Brock, emeritus professor of bacteriology and coordinator of the group with his wife, Kathie. At almost 1,000 feet above sea level, Eagle Heights Woods is one of the highest points on the lakeshore.

The group is involved in other volunteer activities in the natural areas and is active in raising funds for restoring and preserving the 325 acres of woods, restored prairie and wetlands.

“Everybody we’ve talked to is very interested in what we are doing,” Kathie Brock says.

To volunteer, contact the Brocks at 238-5050.

As part of the Campus Natural Areas’ restoration effort, chemical herbicides will be applied to control the growth of invasive woody plants and garlic mustard, a non-native weed found throughout the natural areas. The herbicide applications start May 18 and will last through June.

For more information on the Campus Natural Areas, call the Campus Natural Areas voice mail at 265-3355. The voice mail menu includes a current list of activities and volunteer opportunities in the natural areas.