Save the trees, and then feast with Merry Oaks

Merry Oaks celebrates fall with a vine-fighting, tree-saving project, followed by a potluck and general meeting on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Invasive plants are strangling some valuable trees of various ages and species at the Briar Creek Greenway between Arnold Drive and Masonic Drive. Workers from the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation department will work with neighbors and volunteers to liberate the trees and save the tree canopy for the future.
Time is from 9 a.m. to noon (or 1 p.m., it's kind of loose.)

Biking friends and Plaza Midwood neighbors: You're specifically invited. This greenway and the bridge over Briar Creek benefit Plaza Midwood as well as Merry Oaks, providing a safe, green haven for bicyclists and pedestrians. We're glad to be connected with nearby neighborhoods after years of working for the bridge and greenway. We can help keep connectivity strong and beautiful by working to save the tree canopy.

The event is the same day as the Plaza Midwood Fall Crawl, a day full of tree banding, music, costumes and beer. But the battle against the canker worms has shown that we're all reliant on each other when it comes to protecting our green tree canopy. So if you're particularly energetic, you can make a full day out of saving trees and hanging out with neighbors.

Later the same day, the annual fall potluck begins at 6 p.m. at Cate Martin's home, with a brief general meeting at 7:15 p.m. Community police representatives and possibly some local candidates will likely be there. Here are details.
Freelance photographer and neighbor Nancy Pierce has documented specific trees to save, and you can pick a specific tree or cluster of trees by checking the event's flyer.