Volunteer Opportunity: Invasive Hardy Kiwi Plant Removal
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Join Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) at Pittsfield’s Burbank Park to help remove Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta), a rapidly spreading invasive vine that threatens our native ecosystems.
DATE: Saturday, August 9
TIME: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
LOCATION: Burbank Park, 309 Lakeway Drive, Pittsfield, MA — We will meet at the Onota Lake Boat Launch parking lot, NOT the main parking area for Burbank Park.
Register here to join us: https://tinyurl.com/Hardy-Kiwi-Removal-8-2025
Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, hardy kiwi has become a serious problem across parts of the Northeast, including Berkshire County, MA. Once established, this fast-growing vine forms dense mats several feet deep on the forest floor and climbs high into the canopy, creating thick “curtains” that smother native plants, shrubs, and even mature trees. These areas—sometimes called “amphitheaters”—become barren monocultures that threaten biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
What to Expect:
On this workday, we’ll focus on cutting and pulling hardy kiwi vines—particularly removing any fruit before it can be eaten by wildlife and spread further. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, get active, and connect with others who care about protecting our local environment.
Who Can Participate:
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience! Volunteers should be able to walk on uneven ground for about 10 minutes to reach the work site.
Why It Matters:
Your efforts will directly support native wildlife habitat and help preserve the health and diversity of our local forests.
Come Prepared:
We recommend wearing long pants and long socks, along with closed-toed shoes. Please bring a full bottle of water. Pulling vines for an hour isn’t easy work; we want everyone to stay safe and hydrated! If you have your own work gloves, loppers, or pruning shears, please bring those along. Otherwise, you can borrow some from BEAT.
Get Tickets
DATE: Saturday, August 9
TIME: 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
LOCATION: Burbank Park, 309 Lakeway Drive, Pittsfield, MA — We will meet at the Onota Lake Boat Launch parking lot, NOT the main parking area for Burbank Park.
Register here to join us: https://tinyurl.com/Hardy-Kiwi-Removal-8-2025
Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, hardy kiwi has become a serious problem across parts of the Northeast, including Berkshire County, MA. Once established, this fast-growing vine forms dense mats several feet deep on the forest floor and climbs high into the canopy, creating thick “curtains” that smother native plants, shrubs, and even mature trees. These areas—sometimes called “amphitheaters”—become barren monocultures that threaten biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
What to Expect:
On this workday, we’ll focus on cutting and pulling hardy kiwi vines—particularly removing any fruit before it can be eaten by wildlife and spread further. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, get active, and connect with others who care about protecting our local environment.
Who Can Participate:
Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience! Volunteers should be able to walk on uneven ground for about 10 minutes to reach the work site.
Why It Matters:
Your efforts will directly support native wildlife habitat and help preserve the health and diversity of our local forests.
Come Prepared:
We recommend wearing long pants and long socks, along with closed-toed shoes. Please bring a full bottle of water. Pulling vines for an hour isn’t easy work; we want everyone to stay safe and hydrated! If you have your own work gloves, loppers, or pruning shears, please bring those along. Otherwise, you can borrow some from BEAT.
Get Tickets
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