SHAWNEE, KS – Kansas City WildLands (KCWL) is again offering the public an opportunity to remove invasive red cedars and take them home to decorate for the holidays. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. December 8 near the Theater in the Park entrance at Shawnee Mission Park, 7710 Renner Rd, Shawnee, KS.
Eastern red cedars were often excluded from grasslands and woodlands by fires, but with fire suppression, the trees must be manually removed to restore wild places to their original health.
The areas KCWL will be focusing on have a range of tree sizes and shapes. Those who would like to participate should bring handsaws, rope, sturdy boots, and work gloves. Chainsaws and axes are not permitted. KC WildLands volunteers will be on hand to assist with loading trees. For those who would like to cut their own tree, volunteers will point out trees that can be cut.
Kansas City WildLands suggests a minimum $15 donation for each tree, with proceeds benefiting natural community restoration throughout the Greater Kansas City region.
Shawnee Mission Park is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, which is a charter member of Kansas City WildLands, a conservation coalition initiated in 2001.
For more information on this event, Kansas City WildLands or future restoration workdays, contact Linda Lehrbaum at (816) 561-1061 ext. 116 or [email protected], or visit the group’s website at www.kcwildlands.org.