North Four Corners News ♦ February 2024

Lockridge Creek Vine Cutting Cleanup on Saturday, 9 March

Time once again for a neighborhood effort to cut the nonnative, invasive vines (especially English ivy and porcelainberry) on the creek on Lockridge Drive.  This event will take place Saturday, 9 March 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. (rain date on Sunday, 10 March).  We’ll meet at the bandalong trash trap (Lockridge Drive and Belton Road) at 1 p.m. and work our way to Dennis Avenue.

An orientation to demonstrate and explain everything to do before we start cutting starts promptly at 1 p.m.  It’s cold this time of year, but it’s best to start cutting before all the plants turn green and bushy again.  That will make it easier to access and identify our target species.  Come join us, meet neighbors, and help save our trees!

This event is meant for everyone, although it’s geared towards adults and older children.  Some sections of Lockridge are quite steep and we’ll be using sharp tools to cut plants.  All children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult; this is not a drop-off event.  Please remember, we are all volunteers and we’re all in this together!

Wear long pants that cover your ankles, long sleeves, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots.  Dress for the weather; it will be chilly.  Wear gloves!  Bring loppers and/or hand pruners if you have them; a few tools will also be made available.  No power tools or machetes are allowed.  Our wonderful neighbor Robin Loube has offered to pick up some treats for the volunteer crew.  Please email [email redacted] so we can get an accurate headcount for the food and drinks.  Bring your own reusable water bottle, but there will be a limited supply of bottled water along with a recycling bin.  Be environmentally mindful!

This event will be supervised by Corinne Stephens (Thistle Drive), weed warrior volunteer coordinator for Montgomery Parks/M-NC Park and Planning Commission, and Susan Schreiner (Eastwood Avenue).  If you have questions, email [email redacted].  Note:  We are all volunteers and this activity is at your own risk.

If you have nonnative, invasive plants on your own property, think about cutting or pulling them.  For general information about invasive plants or porcelainberry, visit the links below.

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Invasive Plants Porcelainberry