Volunteer Workshop: Tree of Heaven/Spotted Lanternfly

Join Conservancy staff and board member Jack Nash, who is active with the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance (LIRA), for a hands-on volunteer workshop. We will provide an overview of the invasive spotted lanternfly and their preferred host tree – Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). We will share what the Conservancy is doing to tackle these two invasive pests. Attendees will work with us to identify, tag, and measure Tree of Heaven in an area with a large grouping of these trees. We will also try to remove as many spotted lanternflies from the area as possible. The tactics and tools that we use in the workshop can then be used by attendees to help us locate and tag as many ToH as possible. This survey work enables the Conservancy team to develop and plan for future ToH removal. Everyone will go home with a kit to use near their homes. 

Attendees of all ages are encouraged to attend. The workshop takes place on a day when LCPS is closed. This is a great way for high school students to get a jump start on volunteer hours. Kids are welcome to attend, and we ask that children under 14 are accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Since we will be walking in the woods, we recommend wearing long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes. All participants must sign our volunteer waiver which can be electronically signed here. For attendees under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must sign it.

Why Participate?

• Learn about two invasive pests – Tree of Heaven and Spotted Lanternfly
• Help us identify the sizes and locations of the ToH to inform our invasive vegetation removal efforts
• Learn about methods to kill Spotted Lanternfly that will not harm helpful pollinators
• Take a toolkit and tips home to replicate these efforts in your own neighborhood (each participants will leave with a spray bottle and toolkit)
• Family friendly and fun, while getting educated about ToH and SLF!
• A great way for high school students or scouts to get volunteer hours

RSVP below for this FREE event

** If you cannot attend the event and would like a spray bottle and toolkit, we will have them available at the Boat House Farm Stand on August 28 from 4 PM to 6 PM.