The Montgomery County Soil & Water District recently had a volunteer earn a reward from the State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management.
Jerry Whipkey has made it his mission to learn about and eradicate invasive plants.
Whipkey joined the Montgomery County CISMA late last year after reading about honeysuckle in a MCSWD newsletter. He realized one of his favorite places, Sugar Creek Nature Park, is full of the harmful plant.
Since then, Whipkey has devoted his spare time in the park cutting honeysuckle and learning about other invasives. To Whipkey, the park is a place to relax and enjoy nature, and invasive species control is a way for him to get exercise while conserving the natural beauty of the park.
His impact has been substantial, and his work has not gone unnoticed. Recently on a survey of the park, SICIM Regional Specialist Amber Slaughterbeck took notice of the work Whipkey has been doing and knew right away that he was deserving of recognition and nominated him for our region’s volunteer award.
The MCSWD presented Whipkey with his award at the park as a thank-you for the work done so far. He hopes others will see invasive removal not only as worthwhile for our environment but as a way to get active and give back to our community.
Whipkey is also a board member of the Friends of Sugar Creek and hopes to continue to spread awareness of invasive species throughout the county and inspire others to see that they too can make a difference for the environment and community.
Learn more about invasive species and volunteer opportunities with our CISMA by contacting Montgomery County Soil and Water at programs@montgomerycoswcd.com or calling 765-362-0405, ext 121.
