Julia - MacGregor Park

Hello!  I’m Julia.  Thank you for stopping to check out what I’m doing stirring around in the woods and piling up branches.  I love MacGregor and want to share why I am here.
 
What I’m Doing
I volunteer independently with MacGregor Park to help manage invasive species throughout the year.  I work according to my schedule, my skill set, and the parameters authorized by the Park. The invasive species that I target include honeysuckle, autumn olive, privet, burning bush, and callery pear.
 
How I Got Involved

• I moved to Westfield in 2021 and learned about honeysuckle – the shrub that had taken over the entire length of my new backyard – and what a problem it is, especially for birds. 
• I saw signs about a project to remove invasive species and replant with natives along the Midland Trail.  The project was sponsored by the Hamilton Co. Invasives Partnership (HIP), which is run by the Hamilton Co. Soil & Water Conservation District.  I looked up information about HIP and joined the mailing list.
• I came to a HIP Strike Force event at MacGregor Park in Spring 2022.  The event started with some instruction, and HIP provided all the tools and materials.  I met people and asked a lot of questions.
• HIP introduced me to MacGregor Park’s Administrator and facilitated discussion about me volunteering directly at the park.  And here I am!

 
Why It Matters to Me

• My daughter: I want her to have the opportunity as she grows older to experience the great variety and ingenuity of native plants, insects, and birds.  I also want to demonstrate a commitment to service in the community.
• Wildlife: I enjoy living in proximity to wildlife and want to keep spaces vibrant for birds and other animals that depend on nature for their food and shelter.

 
Resources for You to Get Involved

• Hamilton Co. Invasives Partnership: https://www.hcinvasives.org/
• Seek by iNaturalist app: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_app
• NAISMA Clean.Play.Go Shop: https://shop.naisma.org/
• Indiana Invasive Species Council: https://www.entm.purdue.edu/iisc/index.html
• Penn State Extension: https://extension.psu.edu/forests-and-wildlife/forest-management/invasive-and-competing-plants