e the biodiversity of Terryland Forest Park.
The day got off to a bit of a rocky start when what was supposed to be a 25-minute walk turned into an hour-long trek across Galway. Despite the unexpected detour, it ended up being a blessing in disguise, we got to see all corners of Terryland before starting our volunteer work. We walked by a local stadium where soccer or futbol, to the locals, was being played, and got some eyes on other habitats like grasslands with hidden streams running through them. Even though we were only supposed to be in a small part of the park, we got to see its entirety and walked from one side to the other using Merlin to ID birds and iNaturalist to do the same for unique flora species.
We met the volunteers at one of the park entrances, and the leader explained to us the importance of the work that we are doing and gave us some insight into the invasive species that are impacting the park. The volunteer group we worked with focuses on removing an invasive plant species called Heliotrope. This fast-spreading plant is often used as ground cover, but it’s now beginning to overrun native species in the area. Once Heliotrope starts to grow, it can take over a large area, blocking sunlight from reaching the plants underneath and reducing their ability to reproduce.
What surprised me most was learning how Heliotrope spreads underground through its rhizomes, which are plant stems that send out roots and shoots from their nodes. This method of spreading makes it especially difficult to control, as the damage isn’t always visible above the soil. This was unique to us because most of the time, we assume that the damage is always above the ground where we can see it, but that isn't always the case. Because of this, the park relies heavily on volunteers like us to help manage it.
The solution? A process that involves cutting the plant back, laying down decomposable fabric, and covering it with a thick layer of mulch. This material is similar to the black mulch fabric that we use on our own SMC Farm to help block weeds from growing. This method helps suppress the Heliotrope, but also helps maintain an aesthetically pleasing landscape. I had never seen this method used before, but even students in our group with no prior experience were excited to get their hands dirty and help out.
After a quick overview from the group leader, we grabbed our gloves and tools, spade shovels for digging and flat-head shovels for loading mulch, and headed down the trail to our work site. We lucked out with the weather today; after several rainy days, we finally had warm sunshine to keep us company during our work.
Equipped with wheelbarrows, rakes, and lots of energy, we split into teams. Some students filled the wheelbarrows with mulch, while others raked it evenly over the fabric. After two hours of hard work, we had completely covered the fabric and used up the entire mulch pile. It was satisfying to see how much we’d accomplished, knowing it would help protect the park from invasive species and promote healthier biodiversity.
To wrap up, we gathered in a circle to reflect on what we’d done. The work reminded us of similar conservation efforts we participate in back home in Vermont. In our natural area, we have species such as black locust trees and buckthorn, which can spread quickly and threaten our native species. Invasive species may differ from country to country, but their environmental impact is the same, and so is the importance of addressing the issue.
After our time in Terryland, our group, along with a few volunteers, headed to a local hotel for coffee and lunch. It was a great way to wind down, reflect on the day’s efforts, and chat with some locals who shared tips on places to explore around Galway. I am looking forward to the next 9 days of our trip where will still have fun activities planned such as deep sea fishing and an overnight in Dublin and Inishmore. Stay tuned for more updates on our trip around this amazing country!
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