Washtenaw Restoration Ecology Network

A Community of Volunteers Empowered to Restore Local Biodiversity

Vison and Mission

The Washtenaw Restoration Ecology Network (WREN) high level vision is to grow a community of volunteers empowered to restore local biodiversity.

The Washtenaw Restoration Ecology Network mission is to empower individuals united by a shared purpose of increasing biodiversity in our community through engaging stewards in local action. WREN will provide training, fellowship, shared resources, and hands-on ecological restoration. WREN is focused on terrestrial plants in Washtenaw County.

WREN Organized Events

Ecological Steward Skills Training Details:

Learn the fundamentals of identifying and managing woody invasive shrubs through this hands-on ecological stewardship training. Participants will gain practical field experience in techniques using a different study plant for each event.

This course combines pre-workshop educational materials with a field-based training session with questions and conversation encouraged.

Pre-workshop materials cover ecological context, invasive species biology, and control techniques.
Field session focuses on species identification, hands-on practice with both herbicide and non-herbicide control methods, and tool safety.
Participants will have the opportunity to apply their new skills in real restoration work at local natural areas.

What You’ll Learn

How to identify woody invasive plants in all seasons.
How invasives impact biodiversity and native communities.
How to use multiple control techniques safely and effectively.
Proper tool handling, safety gear, and herbicide best practices.
How to plan and manage your restoration work for long-term success.

What to Bring

Required

Long pants
Sturdy shoes
Age 18 or older

If you have them

Leather Gloves (loaner gloves available)
Safety glasses
Loppers or folding saw (loaner tools available)
Optional: notebook or phone for photos/notes

Cost

This training is pay-what-you-can.

$100 to grow training programs
$25 to cover our costs
$0 because everyone deserves to learn these skills

All donations support restoration equipment (loppers, saws, Buckthorn Blasters, herbicide supplies), and future community training. Donations accepted via Venmo or in person at the workshop.

Hosted by: Washtenaw Restoration Ecology Network (WREN)

Supported by: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance (WBNA), The Stewardship Network (TSN) and Washtenaw County Parks (NAPP), Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD)

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