Oakland County Parks and the Orion Oaks Dog Park Friends are rounding up volunteers to help remove invasive Oriental bittersweet from Orion Oaks Dog Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 5.
‘We are kicking off a long-term series to combat bittersweet within the park,? said Brittany Bird, GIS tech and natural resources specialist. ‘We will continue the effort at the dog park two or three times a year.?
Oriental bittersweet is a non-native plant that has invaded natural areas and threatens native plants.
If left in place, Bird said bittersweet vines can damage and kill trees and reduce the quality of bird habitat.
Volunteers will meet at the dog park entrance on Joslyn Road. Dogs are welcome. Bring gardening or work gloves. Cutting and pruning tools will be provided. Bittersweet vines will be removed from trees along park paths.
The event is sponsored by Caribou Coffee and The Uppity Puppy Gourmet Dog Bakery. Coffee and homemade organic dog treats will be provided by the sponsors.
‘We are very grateful to our sponsors,? Bird said. ‘It is a great way for them to support environmental preservation and our volunteers at the same time.?
Volunteers will receive a validated day pass for free park entry by calling Brittany Bird at (248) 858-1726. For park maps visit www.oakgov.com/parkrec.