A New Way to Remove Honeysuckle: Root Docking Training Workshop

When: Wednesday, December 9 from 10:00am – 12:30pm (Check in & registration at 9:45am) OR Wednesday, December 9 from 1:30pm – 4:00pm (Check in & registration at 1:15pm)

Where: Meet at the Al Foster Memorial Trailhead at Glencoe – 225 Grand Avenue Wildwood, MO 63038.

What to bring: Please bring your own face mask. Face masks are required. Dress for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and bring a filled water bottle.

Registration: https://rootdocking2020.eventbrite.com

Join us for a hands-on training workshop on Root Docking, a manual approach to removing invasive bush honeysuckle.

The Root Docking method involves cutting the roots away from the crown of the invasive honeysuckle and removing the crown, trunk and branches of the plant, while leaving the roots in place. Since regrowth occurs from the crown, this method eliminates the possibility of regrowth and thus the need for herbicide.

This is an excellent hands-on learning opportunity for conservation professionals, municipal and county parks staff, land owners, and members of the public interested in learning about the root docking method. Workshop participants will learn about the advantages and benefits of the root docking method, how to properly and safely use the tools needed to conduct root docking, and have the opportunity to practice the method in the field on the Al Foster Memorial Trail. Attendees must be 16+ years old to participate. Inclement weather date is December 10.

COVID-19 precautions: Space for this event is limited and registration is required. To ensure the space remains uncrowded, this workshop is spread out over two shifts. Each shift only has a maximum of 8 participants, so secure your spot quickly! Participants will receive their own pair of gloves and tools will be provided by the Open Space Council. All tools and equipment will be sanitized between shifts of participants. Social distancing must be observed throughout the entire workshop and face masks are required.

About the Workshop Facilitator: Jay Doty is a retired landscape architect with 40+ years in the design world, including experience with HOK, PGAV, Mimbres Architects/Santa Fe, COPA/Santa Fe, CannonDesign and as part owner of Lewisites Landscape Architects Inc., St. Louis. He has organized volunteer events for removing invasive bush honeysuckle for Open Space Council, Great Rivers Greenway, Katy Land Trust, Katy Trail State Park, Greenway Network/Confluence Trash Bash, Missouri Master Naturalists, the Mighty Rivers Center, and organized the first five day Honeysuckle Hackathon at Kirkwood Park.

Thank you to our partners Great Rivers Greenway, the L-A-D Foundation and Open Space Council members for their support!