By Mackenzie Prince
University of Maryland students are tackling environmental work through “Weed It Wednesdays,” a weekly volunteer opportunity the university’s Arboretum and Botanical Outreach Center runs.
Held most Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., the event targets campus needs such as clearing out weeds and cleaning up trash, according to Meg Smolinski, the arboretum’s outreach coordinator. The location varies based on botanical needs for that week.
This semester, most of the work has focused on removing invasive plants.
While the arboretum has spearheaded similar initiatives in the past, Smolinski said she created the program to get more students involved in hands-on environmental work.
“One of our components as a university arboretum is to provide experiential learning for all of our students on campus,” Smolinski said. “[These events] support our conservation efforts for native plants, native insects and native birds.”
Smolinski also highlighted the arboretum’s newer “Weed Warriors on Campus” program, which focuses specifically on removing invasive species. Invasive species are any non-native organisms that can affect the surrounding environment or human health, according to the arboretum’s website.
Turnout varies each week, depending on the work, but Smolinski said even small groups make a difference.
“There are so many tasks where I bring out a group of volunteers and they get it done in just thirty minutes when it would take [my team] much longer,” Smolinski said. “The opportunity to come out and meet new people, do something good for the environment, and enjoy some sunshine [has] been very well received by the students.”
Alexa Manzi, a senior environmental science and technology major and director of philanthropy for Epsilon Eta, a co-ed professional environmental fraternity, regularly attends the arboretum’s volunteer events and encourages other members to join.
Each session starts with a brief overview of tasks and safety guidelines before volunteers get to work, Manzi said. Volunteers cut down and remove the invasive plants, then load the debris into a truck.
Manzi said the experience has given her more hands-on knowledge in her field and strengthened her connection and gratitude for the campus community.
“Prior to my involvement, I was unaware of just how many invasive plants grow around campus, [but] once you learn how to spot them, you see it everywhere,” Manzi said. “[At the end], it’s always rewarding to finally be able to see through a patch of forest with the cover of invasive vines.”
Graham Summers, a sophomore environmental science policy major, has seen firsthand the effects of volunteer efforts through his classmates and coursework.
“[Environmental events] can spread awareness on things like sustainability and energy use to young adults who are about to join the workforce,” Summers said. “They are key to helping our local environment and community stay healthy for years to come.”
Although Summers has not yet attended any university arboretum volunteer events, he said he plans to get involved next fall to build connections with his fellow classmates.
“I usually don’t know many of the other volunteers, but it is easy to bond over a common goal,” Manzi said.
To attend a volunteer event, students can register on the arboretum’s website. The next event is set for Wednesday, April 29. Volunteers will receive information about the location in the days leading up to the event.
Featured Image: Meg Smolinski, UMD’s Arboretum and Botanical Outreach Coordinator, plans and attends weekly volunteer events for students. Photo Courtesy of Meg Smolinski.