Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

Growing up, my parents introduced me to European Buckthorn infested forests ranging from Pine Bend Scientific and Natural Area to land protected by Flint Hills Resources. After serving at these reserves with volunteer agencies such as Friends of the Mississippi River in pursuit of this invasive tree, I decided to take action on our own five acre property. My developed passion for improving the quality of natural areas encouraged me to make a difference beyond sponsored events and initiate restoration independently. Difficult to remove, this tree crowds out native species trying to survive on the understory. The tree, introduced as an ornamental shrub, spread from containment in front yards to vast forests living in fragile diversity. Watching the decline of natural habitat and the destructive process of native species elimination, I knew that efforts had to be made before our forest became consumed by buckthorn.
At the edge of our woods, along the road, a dense thicket of buckthorn threatened the future generations of oak, maple, and birch trees that were beginning to die off. After careful observance of the undergrowth, I discovered that new seedlings could not even grow anymore. The darkness and crowding was too much to bear. Following a series of invitations to friends and relatives, I plotted out flagged squares in which to complete eradication. In the denser areas, cutting and spraying to prevent medusa-like re-growth would be necessary.
Upon arrival, I distributed water bottles and granola bars to ensure proper hydration and energy for the task ahead. Immediately, we set to work with the kind of perseverance necessary to complete the project. Together, we knelt down and yanked, pulled, and tossed the young trees that would otherwise have led to a monoculture. Wiping dirt and sweat off our brows, we traded between cutting and spraying the larger trees and yanking the smaller ones. The smell of a freshly combined field wafted from across the road and our passion grew stronger. The piles grew larger and larger. Each pull symbolized the resurrection of a seedling, the feeding ground for a grouse. Smiling as our muscles ached and stretched in order to complete a pull, we felt the kind of bond that can only be achieved through hard work for a critical cause.
Hours later, the eradication of the thicket was complete. Our shirts clinging to our backs and our boots covered with earth, we admired our astonishing accomplishment. But the task was not yet complete. Taking the chainsaw out, we cut down the thick trees cutting off the light in the heart of the woods. Pulling with all the energy we could muster, we dragged the trees into a giant pile, helping each other thrust the buckthorn up onto the top. Finally, we could be satisfied.
Outside of the reaches of public volunteer agencies, our land is unprotected by environmentalists. Because of the decline in natural habitat, I believe that it is my duty to expand the amount of land that allows native plants and animals to flourish. Left unchecked, buckthorn would eventually swallow the entirety of ours woods, spreading until land simply ran out and all other species died out. As a team, we were able to make a difference. We slowed the expanse of buckthorn. Now, as citizens drive by on the road or use the land for hunting, the near homogeneity of species will no longer exist. Plants and animals, once smothered, will not only be able to survive but flourish.
Through this initiative, I have discovered that I have the power to change local ecology for the better. The satisfaction that comes with providing habitat for native trees and animals can come only through great passion for a cause. Through hard work and determination, I was able to combat a tree that simply does not want to be eradicated. I became the opposition to a tree that has no enemies. I discovered that I can go beyond just volunteering for parks and natural areas to improve my own property. Seeing the openness of our woods, I plan to plant trees that will become the future generation of the canopy. I will choose native oak, pine, maple, and birch trees, plant and water them with dedication, and cage them with wire to prevent feeding from forest creatures until they can handle the burden. These trees will one day provide the habitat and food source required for a healthy ecosystem. In time, Solomonâ€™s Seal, maiden hair fern, and Jack- in-the-Pulpit will replace the once carpeted floor of identical buckthorn seedlings. I am nurturer of the forest.