Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

The environmental stewardship project was performed by numerous volunteers both youth and adult at Ranger Park, located in Ranger, WV. The project began in spring 2007 and has carried through the fall of 2008. The project deals with invasive species control, replanting with predominantly native WV plants, and the creation of a wildlife habitat. The project has been supported by a number of individuals and community groups such as the Lincoln County Parks and Recreation Board, the Guyan River Fire Department, and members of Boy Scout Troop 400.
Volunteers worked to identify methods for invasive species control of Kudzu and Japanese Knotweed from two areas of Ranger Park. Manual removal of the invasive plants was considered the most environmentally sound method to employ, but not necessarily the easiest method. In fact, it was suggested by environmental professionals that we consulted that a number of removal and control methods be utilized including cutting, burning, digging roots, and very limited herbicide application in select areas. We started out working on an area that was about Â¼ acre in 2007, but we have expanded the area to a little over an acre by the fall of 2008. Since we have cleared an area next to the Guyandotte River, the Parks and Recreation Board is now working to acquire grants in order to establish fishing areas along the riverbank.
As the invasive species were being removed from an area, wildflowers, trees, bushes, and native grasses were being planted in those areas. The invasive species removal continued approximately every 2 to 3 weeks throughout the spring, summer and early fall of 2007 and 2008. We found that with hard work, the invasive plants could be managed and controlled though they have not yet been totally eradicated yet.
Everyone that worked on the project has felt good about the impact that they have made and are continuing to make. The large areas of blooming flowers that now replace the invasive species have been wonderful to see. Additionally, the removal of the invasive species and the re-planting with flowers, trees, bushes, and grasses resulted in an increase in wildlife (specifically birds, rabbits, and deer) in the area. Because we carefully chose what to replant with and we created wildlife shelters, the area was designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat area. As part of the project, Giant Cane and the McDowell Sunflower were planted at the park. These plants are listed as WV Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species.
Continued removal of the invasive species as they grow back will need to be performed on a regular basis for the next couple of years. We have found that by planting predominantly native species and encouraging their growth that we can impede the growth of the invasive plants. By removing the invasive plants on a regular basis and giving special care to the native species being replanted, it is hoped that the area will be able to make a total recovery in the next two to three years.
The community that the park is located in is in a rural area of West Virginia. There is little to do in this area without having to travel to other places for activities. The local park which is only a few years old has been a blessing to the local community by providing a walk track, soccer, and softball fields. The invasive species were encroaching on the areas used by the public and something had to be done before these areas were negatively affected. This project benefited everyone that uses the park and the addition of the plants, especially the wildflowers, has been well received by everyone.
The Apprentice Ecologist Initiative is a wonderful idea to get people to help take care of our environment. The website allows us to upload information on what we are doing and to see what others are doing. This allows us to share are ideas and get ideas from others. The program gives positive reinforcement to efforts to improve the environment.