This week at the Nature Center, the class was assigned the task of getting rid of mesquite trees. Although the plants are beneficial to many different animals, they make it difficult for the bison to graze in the pastures. The workers at the Nature Center are trying to expand the grazing area for the bison, so they need to clear out as much of the mesquite as possible.
We were split into groups of four, three students cutting down the mesquite and one following and treating the root of the tree with herbicide. The herbicide was necessary in this case because there was so much mesquite, and it makes it so much easier to control the growth of the plant. I had to be trained to use the herbicide, which was slightly intimidating since I have never worked with chemicals before. But, I learned that it was one of the least dangerous herbicides available, and it had a minimal effect on the environment.
At the end of our work day, we ended up clearing out a large portion of the field. As we worked, I loved watching everyone get comfortable with their different jobs, slowly learning and getting better as the day went by. We got pretty efficient at clearing mesquite by the end of the day. Even if we got splinters and 50+ bug bites, it was a great learning and bonding experience for the class.
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