Join our very own Burke Centre Tree Savers as we team up with PRISM volunteers from around Fairfax County for a morning of rescuing trees from invasive vines as part of PRISM’s Fall Extravaganza.

Together, we’ll “free the trees” from invasive vines such as English ivy, porcelainberry and oriental bittersweet, buying mature trees valuable time while helping restore the health of our local woods.

Never Done This Before? Perfect.

No experience is necessary.

Before work begins, volunteers will receive a safety briefing and learn how to identify the target invasive plants and properly cut vines without damaging the trees we’re trying to save.

Fair warning: if you’ve never participated in a tree rescue before, you may leave with a new passion, several new friends and muscles you had temporarily forgotten existed.

Exhausted but invigorated is pretty much the goal.

This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome.

Please Arrive Early

Please arrive 10 minutes before the 10:00 AM start so everyone can check in and be ready for the safety briefing.

What to Wear

• Long pants
• Long sleeves
• Sturdy boots
• Work gloves
• A hat

What to Bring

• Water
• Hand saws
• Loppers
• Clippers

If you do not have tools, don’t let that stop you from joining us.

A Few Safety Reminders

Bug spray will be available and should be applied before beginning work.

Volunteers should:

• Watch carefully for poison ivy
• Stay within the designated work area
• Follow the instructions provided during the safety briefing
• Wash work clothes after returning home
• Shower and check carefully for ticks after the event

Why Tree Rescue Matters

Invasive vines can climb into the canopy of mature trees, compete for sunlight, add tremendous weight and make already stressed trees more vulnerable to storms and decline.

Cutting those vines is one of the simplest ways volunteers can make an immediate difference.

Two hours. A pair of loppers. A bunch of neighbors.

Sometimes that’s all it takes to give a tree a fighting chance.

Sponsored by Burke Centre Tree Savers in support of PRISM’s Fall Extravaganza.