Join Roan Mountain State Park across multiple days as we work to remove invasive Japanese Knotweed from alongside the shores of the Doe River. These workdays will be led by park staff member Colby Reed. Each shift will have a designated date and time volunteers may register to attend. Each shift will start by meeting at the Roan Mountain State Park Visitor Center parking lot where volunteers will be given work gloves, tools, and receive a workday briefing and safety talk before heading to the worksites.
Each shift is limited to 10 volunteers and it is recommended to pack water, snacks, rain gear, and wear study work shoes. All volunteers must complete a volunteer waiver. For volunteers under the age of 18, adults must accompany them at all times during the registered workday.
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to North America from Asia in the late 1800s as an ornamental plant and riparian erosion control plant. Like other invasive species of plants, it is very quick to establish along riparian zones and choke out native plants, creating a monoculture of Knotweed. These perennial plants can produce seed after 2 seasons of growth and can grow upwards of 12 feet tall. Roan Mountain State Park thanks people like you who help to keep these invasive plants in check and keep native plant communities healthy in our park and region.
