The Glastonbury Partners in Planting "Battling Bittersweet" Group consists of about a dozen volunteers who form the steering committee, and another ten faithful volunteers who have said they'll help as needed. That's it. Glastonbury is a town of about 35,000 people in a 52 square mile area that has a significant oriental bittersweet problem. We are geographically one of the largest towns in the state.
When you do the math it is quickly apparent that even with support from Town authorities we are overwhelmingly outpaced by the growing problem with invasives, especially oriental bittersweet. Continuing at the current number of active volunteers against a rapidly increasing problem will not result in a noticeable difference in terms of reducing damage to trees and beneficial plants.
Our volunteers are happy to do what we can so this isn't a complaint. It's more of a word of caution and warning. More help is needed. This blog outlines some of the ways that could happen.
Somehow there needs to be an effective wake-up call that can rally more support, if enough people in town really want to make a difference. That "want" must translate into many more people taking action.
GPIP advocates a community-wide effort, bringing together interested people and organizations, working to educate residents, and inspiring far more citizens to volunteer to help. More people, better organized.
If you want to help go to www.gpip.org If you want to volunteer for our Work Day on 9/28/13 go to http://gpipworkday.blogspot.com/ If you know influential people in town, ask them how they are helping solve the problem.
If you are reading this blog THANK YOU. It means you care enough to take the time to learn about this problem. If you have not already, please get involved in the solution.
