Hey Gators, here is a great Volunteer Opportunity!

Don’t be a couch potato. Join with hundreds of other Gators in the fun in The 8th Annual Great Air Potato Round-Up, January 27, 2007, from 9 am - 1 pm. Register today online at www.natureoperations.org

This year we are once again taking back Gainesville’s Natural Areas. As part of Invasive Plant Awareness Week, G.E.A.R. (Gainesville’s Ecosystems at Risk), the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FEPPC) and other sponsors will present the 8th Annual Great Air Potato Round-Up.

Last year alone nearly 1,000 volunteers collected approximately 8 tons of air potatoes and other invasive plants from 26 natural areas and neighborhoods. The event is modeled after popular litter clean-up efforts, but instead of trash, participants pick up tubers of the invasive air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera).

Participants will receive a FREE T-shirt for their efforts. Following the round-up, a celebration festival will be held at Morningside Nature Center with food, live entertainment, guest speakers, and a drawing for great prizes. Awards will be given for the largest and the most unusual potato.

Invasive plants pose a serious threat to Florida’s natural communities. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (www.fleppc.org) estimates that invasive plants are second only to development in their impact natural areas. We are fighting for the survival of Florida’s natural areas, and we need the commitment of concerned people like you to succeed. Register today online at www.natureoperations.org or call for more
information: 334-3326.