Fredonia’s College Lodge property has been invaded by Common Buckthorn - a small shrub or tree that spreads aggressively, forming dense stands under which few other plants can grow and destroying the local ecosystem.
Dr. Jonathan Titus, a professor of biology at Fredonia, identified the species and discovered the problem. An expert in the field, Titus alerted the Friends of College Lodge Facebook page about the invasion.
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Barbara Yochym, secretary of the Educational Development Program, saw the post and contacted Dr. Titus to arrange for EDP students and staff to help tackle the problem. EDP is an academic support services program for underprepared and financially disadvantaged students. It strives to serve the needs of those students who are capable of collegiate study, but need assistance in developing their unexplored abilities.
EDP’s objective of adding a service learning component to JEWEL (July EDP Workshop of Expanded Learning) was accomplished on July 30. 39 EDP first-year student participants, eight peer advisors, and four staff members were led by Dr. Titus into the College Lodge woods armed with clippers, loppers, hand saws and gloves. After two hours of hard work, the dedicated group cleared a swath of Common Buckthorn.
“Students really bought into this effort,” said David White, EDP director. “Not only is this a service learning project, but we incorporated and completed all four of Fredonia’s baccalaureate goals: skilled, connected, creative and responsible.”
Dr. Titus was pleased with the results of the pull, but the Buckthorn and other invasive species will be back without the continued work and commitment of volunteers. Seeing the success of the JEWEL pull and the pressing need for continuous action at the College Lodge, the EDP decided to coordinate another invasive species pull for its fall community service event. Their next victim: honeysuckle.
The next EDP-sponsored invasive species pull, led by Dr. Titus and open to the entire campus, will take place on Sept. 11, the National Day of Service, at 3:30 p.m. at the College Woodlot inside Ring Road. Those participating should meet at the far side of the woodlot by the entrance to Facilities Services for instruction on pulling honeysuckle. All student participants’ names will be entered for a prize drawing for a Faculty Student Association gift card and receive official credit with the Volunteer and Community Services Office.
For more information, contact EDP (E286 Thompson Hall) at 716-673-3317, or email Ms. Yochym at Barbara.Yochym@fredonia.edu.
