Fight the Air Potato Invasion!

Air Potato Invasion We're having an Air Potato Invasion in Lakeview Park -- this invasive vine climbs rapidly up trees and plants and eventually smothers them. It is very prolific and extremely hardy -- the best way to get rid of it is to pull it up by the potato-like roots.  An Air Potato Pick-Up is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 9 am - noon. It will focus on the terrific new trees and plants that were recently placed in Lakeview Park near the Petanque Courts on the Lago Way side of the park. If you can make it, please come - bring sunblock, water, gloves, a spade, pruners, and closed shoes are recommended.  The air potato is in Florida thanks to the USDA. More event details below. Where: Lakeview Park, newly planted buffer area Who: County staff and volunteers who care about Lakeview Park When: June 23rd, 2012 from 9am-12pm What: Removal of air potatoes/vines from the newly planted area at Lakeview Park Why: As you may know, a new group of native plants was installed along the fenceline toward the back of Lakeview Park. Because of the recent rains and the season, air potato vines have sprouted in this area and are threatening the newly installed plants. How: The vines are sprouted from potatoes, and the potatoes will have to be dug up for the greatest success. We will also pick up any un-sprouted potatoes we find on the ground. What you will need: A couple of hours of free time, gloves, hat, sunblock, water, garden spade, pruners (I will bring as many garden spades, pruners and gloves as I can gather, but if you have your own please bring them). Closed-toed shoes are recommended as there may be fire ants (long pants at your discretion). What we will supply: County staff to work along with you, gratitude, guidance, support.  We will have a dumpster to dispose of the vines/potatoes, and bottled water for participants. I hope that you can join us for a team effort to improve this great park. Please feel free to forward this invitation to other interested folks. If you have questions please contact me at leppinge@scgov.net or 941-650-2487. Thank you, Lynda Eppinger, Parks Naturalist Sarasota County Parks and Recreation ph. 941-650-2487

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