[Press Release] : Parks and Recreation Teaming with AmeriCorps at Forum Nature Area

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Tammy Miller, 874-7465

 
Parks and Recreation Teaming with AmeriCorps at Forum Nature Area
            
ColumbiaParksand Recreation is collaborating with AmeriCorps to remove invasive ornamental pear trees at the Forum Nature Area. The work will take place from 9 a.m.to noonon October 6. 
 
About 100 AmeriCorps members will be involved with the project as part of regional service training. The volunteers normally serve various organizations including JumpStart at the Universityof Missouri, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri and the Missouri River Communities Network. 
 
Callery pears are an invasive tree species impacting Columbiaparks and many other natural areas. The seeds are spread by birds which eat the fruit of the trees. Ornamental pears cause damage in numerous ways: they displace native plants and their weak branches are more likely to break or topple, leading to potential threats to power lines or transportation services. 
 
Parks and Recreation began a “Stop the Spread” educational campaign a few years ago to educate the public about the threats of ornamental pears. Rather than pears, the public is encouraged to plant native alternatives such as blackgum, dogwood or redbud trees. 
 
Once the pears are removed from Forum Nature Area, staff will eventually replant non-invasive trees there through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
 
AmeriCorps is a federal program that places members dedicated to serving Americain organizations around the country. The Missouri Community Service Commission provides grants to local agencies to support the AmeriCorps program. After completing a year of service, members receive an education award to help pay for schooling or to pay off student loans.        
 
In case of bad weather on October 6, volunteers and staff will undertake an indoor project instead. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460. 

 
 
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Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/About_Us/news_releases.php
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