The Shawnee National Forest Service is looking for volunteers to help remove the seed pods from Japanese Chaff Flowers along the R2R Trail in the Dutchman Lake area. They plan on meeting at 9:00 am October 17, 2023 at the Dutchman Lake Boat Ramp. If you are able to attend and contribute to this effort, please email Alyssa Macuiba of the FS and let her know.

More information on the Chaff Flower

Forest Service has found a large infestation of Japanese Chaff Flower (an aggressive invasive species) along the new River 2 River Reroute at Dutchman Lake. Our concern is that if we do not tackle this infestation soon, we potentially could spread this plant along the entire River 2 River Trail. Chaff Flower is an invasive plant that is spreading quickly across the Southern Illinois region. Seeds are easily dispersed on the fur of animals and clothing. Since we identified the infestation, Forest Service plants to treat this area for the next few years by spraying herbicide on it. BUT this October we would like to get help to cut and remove the seed banks on the plants to help reduce the spread. Then next year start spraying and focus on making a buffer around the trail so trail users won’t pick up the seeds and spread them further along the trail. I have attached a Avenza compatible map of the chaff flower reported locations along with an identification guide. We need as much help as possible and I apologize for the short notice. We really need to remove the seed banks before the first frost which is why we would like to tackle this project this month.