First RIP Weed Wrangle set Saturday

e in Putnam County’s first monthly Weed Wrangle on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ivy Tech campus, 915 S. Zinc Mill Rd.

The Weed Wrangle is a family-friendly volunteer effort initiated by the Putnam County RIP (Remove Invasive Plants) group as part of a statewide effort to combat invasive plants.

The focus will be invasive shrubs, including autumn olive, bush honeysuckle and burning bush. Participants will have the opportunity to remove these invaders while getting into nature and learning firsthand how to identify and combat invasive plants.

Invasive plants do not play well with others. They crowd out native plants and disrupt natural communities, depriving our native birds, insects and mammals of their natural host plants, food and shelter.

No experience is required, and professionals will be on hand to guide and educate. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and work gloves, and are also invited to bring their own tools like loppers, clippers, chain saws, and shovels. Pickup trucks will also be welcome to help haul away debris.

The rain date for this event will be Sunday, Feb. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.

This weekend’s Weed Wrangle will be the first of several fourth-Saturday events.

Those with questions may contact Vanessa Fox at 490-7198 or putnamcountyRIP@gmail.com. Information is also available from Sara Campfield of the Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District at 653-5716.