This past weekend, the Reed Community was invited into the Reed Canyon to get their hands dirty While the canyon receives constant attention from the project director Zac Perry and his crew of dedicated student workers, “Canyon Day” happens once each spring and fall to invite more students, faculty, staff, and campus neighbors to get their hands dirty. The main task we face is ripping up the persistent English Ivy, an invasive species that suffocates all other plants small and large if left unkempt. Climatis and Himalayan Blackberry also pose problems to the balance of the ecosystem, but are not as prolific as the ivy. Volunteers planted ferns, Thimbleberry, and other native species in the bare patches created by the ivy’s vacancy.
To repay volunteers for their time and energy, a small group of talented musicians wove through the trees while playing beautiful folk music. We also enjoyed grilled sausages from the local Otto’s Sausages (with veggie options), and used the new cider press to quench our thirst with fresh cider.
With slightly-sore arms and my soul soothed by the natural surroundings, music, and good company, I was able to head back to my books!
