Volunteers plant native species in Dudley Park

On a sunny Saturday morning, volunteers equipped with gloves and tools gather to plant native species in Dudley Park.

The planting begins with a short walk of the site. Then volunteers are given shovels, bulb planters and other tools to begin working.

Gary Crider prepares to plant a blue mistflower during a native species planting in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, November 11. Blue mistflower attracts pollinator insects like butterflies which are essential for a healthy environment. (Photo by Alex Arango)

Hosted by the Athens Clarke County Sustainability Office, Athens’ residents have the opportunity to help restore a native habitat that has been infested by invasive species.

Emily Laske works for the ACC Sustainability Office and helps coordinate volunteer plantings throughout the year, and assists with the removal of invasive plants.

“We’ve been clearing this area for the past 2 years, so now we’re trying to get native plants in the ground to maintain the progress we’ve made,” said Laske. “ We’re planting things like milkweed which is great for attracting monarch butterflies.”

Gary Crider, a volunteer from this Saturday says the goal of these plantings is to continue habitat restoration by incorporating a diverse mix of native species.

“These native plants are big for habitat improvement, especially for wildlife and insects,” said Crider.

Maxine Heffron digs a hole to plant a native species in Athens, Georgia on Saturday, November 13. (Photo by Alex Arango)

This is the first planting of the year, with plenty more volunteer opportunities on the horizon.