Once autumn arrives and plants become dormant, staff and volunteers work in woodlands and savannas to remove woody invasive species of brush and trees, such as honeysuckle and buckthorn. Workdays are held in existing project areas to remove species that cast deep shade and squeeze out native flora. Work is expanded to new project areas with help from volunteers. The removal of woody invasive species opens up the understory to promote regrowth of oak saplings, grasses, and forbs that are shaded out by these species and creates habitat that supports Wisconsin wildlife.
Sawyers can use several tools at a workday:
Haulers assist sawyers by:
Chainsaw Use:
*For individuals without computer access or a valid email, a paper Volunteer Waiver and Chainsaw Waiver can be supplied upon request.
Chainsaw Safety Courses:
Sawyer:
Hauler:
Restricted:
Invasive Tree & Brush Removal workdays occur on Tuesdays and Fridays between November - March.
General:
What to Know:
What to Wear:
Independent Volunteering:
If you are interested in independently working on invasive brush removal at a specific Dane County Park location, the Natural Areas Program invites you to become a Certified Land Steward. Certified Land Stewards coordinate directly with park staff to create annual workplans that help to build on each other's work and tie restoration efforts together.
Volunteer-led Workdays:
Many of the Dane County Parks Friends Groups and Certified Land Stewards host Tree and Brush Removal Workdays independently from park staff. During these events, the Sawyer and Hauler roles are typically the same, however there is no skid-steer/grapple present at these events. Some volunteer leads may choose to only use hand tools during their events and may not accept gas-powered tool use at their workdays, though in some cases electric saws may be allowed. These workdays may be held on other days and times throughout the year. Check the Event Calendar for additional volunteer opportunities.
Directing questions to the workday leader is encouraged.
Volunteers can apply for our Surplus Wood Collection Permit (PDF), which allows them to collect wood deemed as surplus by Dane County Parks. Commercial products created using surplus wood is strictly prohibited.
Contact:
Dane County Parks Volunteer Program
(608) 516-3703
parksvolunteer@danecounty.gov