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When Anne Norris approached Rutgers Gardens with the idea to form an Invasive Species Strike Team comprised of volunteers and fellow Rutgers Environmental Stewards, her eagerness to make an impact in Helyar Woods was immediately apparent. “I was motivated to participate because Helyar Woods is a special place for me and my family, and over the years I have seen invasive species throughout these woods,” says Anne.
She recruited a team of dedicated volunteers who share an appreciation for nature and a zeal for reducing the invasive species population plant by plant. Fred Bohn, a recently retired North Brunswick resident, answered the call to arms (or pruners). “In January 2025, I enrolled in the Rutgers Environmental Steward Program. I had some knowledge of invasive plants and the course broadened that knowledge. I met Anne in the course and when I found out she was doing a project to remove invasive species, I was happy to join in.”
In her professional role, Anne is a Research Associate in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences department of molecular biology and biochemistry. In Helyar Woods, she shares her knowledge and cheerfully leads the strike team’s restoration missions. “The RES Invasive Species Strike Team meets one to two times per month to remove invasive honeysuckle bush, honeysuckle vine, multiflora rose, burning bush, and Callery pear. Our favorite tools are folding pruning saws and clippers. I continue to come out in all types of weather because I enjoy being outside and contributing in a positive way to Rutgers Gardens.”
Fred continues, “I have always loved being out in nature. I look forward to time spent with like-minded people making our small difference in the world. My hope is that bit by bit we can reverse some of the unintentional damage that we have done introducing invasive species.”
According to Anne, “One of the challenges we face is the sheer number of invasive species, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see the small native seedlings we uncover when cutting back the invasives. I consider it a privilege that Rutgers Gardens trusts us to do this work.”
laugh harder.
The strike team welcomes new recruits any time! You do not need to be a member of the Rutgers Environmental Stewards program to participate. All instructions and guidance will be provided and tools are available for all to share. Anyone who wishes to volunteer their time during a Friday morning each month can reach out to Anne at anne.norris@gmail.com.
We hope you’ll consider partnering with this amazing group to learn more about native and invasive plants in the landscape and meet some friendly folks.
This article originally appeared in the January 2026 “Friends of Rutgers Gardens” e-newsletter. Would you like to have the latest news from Rutgers Gardens sent right to your inbox, including what’s blooming, our seasonal events, revitalization projects, stories from our students in the gardens and farm fields, and more? Subscribe today!
This article is adapted from the original published in the Friends of Rutgers Gardens Newsletter.