Nine volunteers from Cargill's De-icing Technology Plant in Lansing ventured into the meadows of Salt Point with weed-whackers, shovels, and rakes to isolate and eradicate areas of Japanese Knotweed ((Reynoutria japonica (Fallopia japonica, Polygonum cuspidatum)).  This invasive species is a menace to our natural areas and often crowds out the native plants. If left unchecked, it can spread rapidly and overtake other areas as well.

The weather was ideal for a workday at Salt Point.  A cool wind blew down the lake while clouds kept the sun hidden for most of the day.  Birds fluttered about as the volunteers, under the guidance of Katrina Binkewicz, began their assigned task.   Rick Powers operated the Kubota backhoe.  Jesse Gingrich, Steve Mosch, Ryan Fenner, John Alnutt, Terry Marcellus, Steve Jackson, John Galbraith, and Tom Hagin tackled the half dozen areas where Japanese Knotweed had taken root.

The volunteers began by cutting down the knotweed and clearing the area of branches and rocks. Heavy duty landscape fabric was rolled over the area and secured with gravel and rocks. The knotweed spreads by underground roots that are extremely deep in the soil and are fairly resistant to herbicides.  They are nearly impossible to dig out, so the fabric will be left in place for 2 seasons to ensure the knotweed is completely eradicated.


During one of the mid-morning breaks, the volunteers talked about Salt Point. Some of them had no idea that such a unique nature preserve existed in Lansing. A few remembered Salt Point as being very different.  One volunteer recounted how he and his friends used to visit this area back in the late 1970's.  

"We used to come down and party all night-the place was perfect," he said.

Now, many years later and a few years wiser, he appreciates the natural wonder and beauty of the preserve.  He was just glad he could give back to the community by offering his time and labor. Another volunteer said that Salt Point is one of the best fishing spots in the area.  He likes the fact that the town has placed the traffic barriers around the perimeter road as it keeps cars and trucks away from the water.

Cargill encourages its employees to volunteer throughout the community and hopes to achieve 100% employee participation in its volunteer program.  Friends of Salt Point thank Cargill and its employees for offering their time and labor in this community project.

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