Shawnee National Forest Service (USFS), Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, and University of Illinois Extension are partnering to host invasive species autumn olive removal days at the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area on Tuesdays in November.  Volunteers can choose their shift from 10:00 am to noon or from noon to 2:00 pm.  If a volunteer signs up for both shifts, they are welcome to bring lunch and can take a break to refuel.  

We will remove invasive autumn olive shrubs using Brush Cutters.  Volunteers will take turns using the brush cutters and moving/pulling plants to a designated location on site. Trained volunteers and FS employees will then apply herbicide to the cut stumps. The terrain may be uneven with a few tripping hazards. Tools and personal protective equipment will be provided by USFS.