Upcoming Orchard Beach workday on June 7

June 2, 2009

Orchard Beach Meadow

WildMetro Earth Tenders volunteers will be working to clean up and remove invasive plants from the Orchard Beach Meadow in the Bronx on Sunday, June 7, from 10am to 4pm. We are working to protect this beautiful meadow because of the many rare species it harbors, including a special gamma grass community and a moth that may be found nowhere else on earth. This workday is meant to compliment a canoe-based cleanup being held at roughly the same time. Several WildMetro volunteers will be participating in that effort which is being organized by the park rangers and Hutchinson River Restoration.

Most participants for both events will be meeting at the parking lot at Rodman's neck, just off the traffic circle leading to City Island. Our work site is a fairly short walk in from this meeting location. The canoe trip is leaving from a location down the road. People driving should arrive early, this is a small parking lot that fills frequently. The location is also at a bus stop (City Island and Orchard Beach busses). The busses also stop at the Pelham Bay Station, last stop on the 6 train. It is a free transfer from the subway to the busses. Call the WildMetro office (212 308 9453) or email (earthtenders@gmail.com) to RSVP.

Participants should dress for outdoor work. Long sleeve shirt and pants, sturdy footwear, and a broadbrim hat are strongly recommended. Bring bug spray if you wish, as well as your own food and beverage. Work gloves and tools will be provided for those who request in advance. The site is close to Orchard Beach so those who wish should bring swim suits, though the water is still rather cold.