Volunteer with Teatown: Help Transport Native Plants
Teatown is conducting research on Beech Leaf Disease, which is causing the rapid decline of American beech. As infected trees die, they will leave openings in the forest canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach areas that were once deeply shaded. These gaps could support the next generation of native trees and plants, but without intervention, they may instead allow invasive plants to spread deeper into the forest. By testing different planting techniques, we hope to determine the most effective ways to help native forest communities thrive in beech canopy gaps.
In order to complete this project, we need the help of volunteers. Our research sites are located in sections of the forest that can only be accessed by foot, so we need extra hands to transport materials. Your work will help us understand and restore the land we live on!
What will volunteers do?
Volunteers will transport plants to our Beech Leaf Disease research sites. Be prepared for strenuous work, as this project will require walking, carrying, and potentially wheelbarrowing over uneven terrain. When we reach the sites, we will be staging the plants in preparation for the next group of volunteers to get them in the ground.
What will volunteers need to bring or wear?
Please wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. We will provide hard hats.
