2013/11/02 Scout Troop Sister Oak Outing

On Saturday a purposeful and eager scout troop learned about native plants, animals, and the unique habitats of the Gato Road Trail.  This troop recently offered to adopt the section of The Richard and Donna O’Neill Conservancy which runs from the Talega Gato gate all the way to the Sister Oak.  This oak tree is estimated to be 250 years old.  Each year the non-native, invasive weed called milk thistle grows under her canopy.  These thistles are just now starting to pop up through the soil.  The scouts and their dads (and one grandmother) pulled over 200 baby milk thistles!  Getting at these weeds while they’re young is the best way to protect the health of this beautiful area.  We applaud this troop’s commitment and effort in giving back to nature.