Twelve USDA, ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory (IPRL) staff volunteered to help over 400 Falcon Cove Middle School students remove the invasive vine (Dioscorea bulbifera) or Air Potato from Markham Park in Broward County Florida. Sara Jarossy, the park Naturalist organized the event. There was an additional five Broward County employees and 3 volunteers which were residents of Broward County that assisted. Two of our post-doctoral scientists Dr. Jeremiah Foley, and Dr. Dale Halbritter volunteered to explain to all the students what plant we will be removing and also our mission at the IPRL.

There was a total of 20 groups of 20 or more students. Each volunteer directed and assisted 20 students along with a Broward County school teacher for Falcon Cove Middle School or a parent that volunteered. The students removed a significant amount of the vine to make a remarkable impact for Broward County. Along with the vine are the air potatoes or bulbils which were found on the vine and in the ground. These were collected and saved to bring back to IPRL to sustain the colonies of the recent biological control agent Liloceris egena.

( All student parents signed a photo release and waivers prior to field trip)