Reflections from a Land Conservation Apprentice

By Brianna Taylor, Summer 2022 - Present Land Conservation Apprentice

I started my apprenticeship at Reflection Riding in the summer of 2022. I was initially unsure of what to expect from this position, as I had no idea what managing native land entails.

Much of the native landscape management I've done in this position has been mechanical removal of invasive plant species. At times, hand pulling or using weed wrenches is all that is needed to rid a site of a particular invasive. Cut-stump treatments are also used on invasive plants with woody stems that are too big or too difficult to pull. To do this the plant is cut as low to the ground as possible and the stump is sprayed with herbicide to kill the roots and ensure the plant does not re-sprout. 

Some of the invasive tree removal has required the use of chainsaws. Brush removal of invasives that have been pulled or cut down has granted me the opportunity to learn how to operate a skid steer as well. The hands-on experience operating light and heavy machinery is not something I was expecting to acquire. I have surprised myself with how much I enjoy operating the skid steer.

In addition to mechanical removal there is chemical removal. If you've visited Reflection Riding this past summer, you may have noticed a few individuals roaming around the property wearing backpacks filled with blue liquid. The backpack sprayers are useful for targeting both individual plants as well as groups of plants over a large area. With these sprayers we are able to use techniques such as directional spraying to ensure that only target plants are being sprayed.

When I started this apprenticeship I was very skeptical of my own ability to correctly identify plant species. Now I am proud to say that there are at least 7 invasive plant species that I can confidently identify. I am also able to recognize  several native plant species that are found around the property and in the Native Plant Nursery.

It is very rewarding to be able to see first hand how the work I've done as an apprentice has changed the landscape and composition of plant communities on the property. Many places that have been rid of invasive grasses or shrubs are now full of native vegetation.

I genuinely enjoy the work that I get to do here. The people that I get to work with have made this experience a pleasant one.

Written by Brianna Taylor, Native Landscape Apprentice