Students, faculty, and staff removed invasive plant species and picked up trash in an effort to restore the Catholic University’s North Woods during Campus Sustainability Month.
The North Woods, located between Opus Hall and the DuFour Athletic Center, is often neglected because it sits on the outskirts of campus.
The Environmental Club worked alongside University Facilities to host the event on Oct. 19. The group focused a majority of their time on removing trash from the area because it was more pressing than the presence of invasive species. They filled around a dozen trash bags with garbage.
“The area was full of trash, and with the help of the students, we were able to remove everything we found,” said Gabrielle Jette, manager of the Office of Campus Sustainability within University Facilities.
A campus landscape architect spoke to attendees about the impact of invasive species on the local ecosystem. Periwinkle, poison ivy, and greenbriar are some of the most common harmful plants in the North Woods.
Jette said that it is important for students to be “good stewards of the environment” and there is still work to be done.
“We will be continuing these woods clean-ups every semester going forward, so even more students will have a chance to get involved!” said Joseph Giessuebel, senior theology major and Environmental Club president.
Maisy Sullivan, Communications Intern