Proposal

Buckthorn Removal in Putnam Park

Community partner: UWEC Housing & Residence Life

Supervisor: Samantha Mae Whyte

Beginning date:
2026-01-03

Ending Date:
2026-01-04

Project Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer Students in the Outdoor Adventure LLC (OALLC) will learn what buckthorn is and how to identify it, how it impacts our environment, and how to properly remove it. Buckthorn impacts the environment by outcompeting native plants, reducing biodiversity, degrading wildlife habitats, and increasing soil erosion and runoff. By removing it, the students are helping our beautiful Putnam park flourish. The students will first have an educational session on all of the above. Then, when they have demonstrated that they are able to identify buckthorn, students will spend two days in Putnam park removing buckthorn.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer The mission of the OALLC allows students to live and learn with others who share their interests in the outdoors. We provide opportunities for students to interact with the outside in ways that are both engaging and educational.

3.

What skills are required for this project?

Answer The students must learn about how to identify buckthorn, how to remove buckthorn, and how to prevent buckthorn from growing back. After learning these skills, other skills required are simple proficiencies in using graden tools.

4.

What are the learning objectives for this project

Answer Demonstrate proper techniques for buckthorn removal, including hand-pulling, cutting, herbicide application, and tool safety. Assess the severity of an invasive species infestation using field observation. Implement best practices for preventing regrowth, such as stump treatment or pulling out the roots.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer Students must attend both the Saturday and Sunday session to earn full credit for the project. They must also be in the OALLC to participate.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer This event occurred on November 22nd-November 23rd, 2025

UWEC

UWEC

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Proposal

Buckthorn Removal in Putnam Park

Project Proposal Description

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