PRG Volunteers with Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Near Mutton Hollow

Last Saturday, a group of PRG volunteers helped the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) take out invasive plants on some of their Greene County land.

The work took place on the PATC’s Vining Tract, on a ridge coming down from Hightop mountain, overlooking Mutton Hollow.  This beautiful tract contains many old home sites, including historic cabins that the PATC maintains. Unfortunately, it also contains invasive non-native plants that can spread rapidly in our region -- if left unchecked.

Guided by PATC member and Greene County resident Mark Walkup, the PRG volunteers spent a morning fighting some familiar foes, mainly Autumn Olive and Multiflora Rose. The job called for cutting these large bushes close to the ground, and dabbing the woody stumps with a small amount of herbicide, to prevent re-growth.

The PATC is responsible for maintaining many miles of trails in our region, including in Greene County. Some of their work is on public lands, and some on tracts owned or leased by the PATC. They also publish trail maps and make available for rent many rustic and historic cabins, including in Greene County, among other activities. See Potomac Appalachian Trail Club for more info.

In addition to the above roles, the PATC’s Charlottesville Chapter also works to fight the spread of invasive non-native plants. For this, they organize occasional work outings, relying on volunteers from the public as well as PATC members. If you would consider helping, either with trail maintenance or controlling invasive plants, info is available at Charlottesville PATC Hiking and Trail Love | Meetup