TAP INTO YOUR INNER WARRIOR! Join a hardworking crew of men and women who enjoy getting out in the winter woods and working hard right in the middle of Lawrence! The Honeysuckle Warriors meet one WEEKDAY afternoon a week from January through April, depending on weather, to help the Hidden Valley Camp Manager clear invasive honeysuckle shrubs and downed branches. Individuals that sign up will be put on a Honeysuckle Warrior Email list. Each Sunday or Monday, an email is sent out to the group to confirm the day (depending on weather forecast) and location within the camp for that week. Volunteers can come for any amount of time during the workday, generally lasting from noon to 4 or 5 pm. A GREAT workout without going to the gym!
Most work is by loppers, reciprocal saws and handsaws. We burn what we cut (and keep VERY warm), creating valuable biochar to use around the camp. Those with chainsaws and the skill to operate them assist by cutting down the largest honeysuckle. We work along the fence line and trails, camp sites, and in the wooded understory, moving about the 40-acre camp each week. If this work seems too strenuous, we may also clean up and stock woodpiles, weed out new honeysuckle starts, water young saplings, pick up litter in the creeks, etc. Crew Members attend work events as they are able...no weekly commitments are needed to sign up, and you can come and go as needed during the afternoon. Groups can also sign up for a one-time event.
All tools, except for chain saws, are provided. Volunteers should bring gloves and a water bottle, and dress in layers. Durable, totally enclosed shoes are a must. Insect spray will be needed for later in the year. Volunteers should understand that Hidden Valley is a semi-primitive camp, and that this work entails some risk due to tools used and the terrain, and you will sign a waiver prior to work. However, no experience is necessary, and all work is supervised.
