Join the C&O Canal National Historical Park and C&O Canal Trust for an invasive species removal event at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. Led by C&O Canal Rangers and Community Volunteer Ambassador Tyson, volunteers will assist in removing invasives species and trash from multiple locations in the Great Falls area. Volunteers will work in groups along the towpath and Gold Mine Trail to remove invasives, including Japanese barberry, that prevent the growth of important native plants.
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Location: The Great Falls Tavern at the C&O Canal National Historical Park, 11710 Macarthur Blvd Potomac Md 20854
Click here for directions and map.
Registration: Sign up below to volunteer!
Photos by Francis Grant-Suttie and Trust Staff
This project is part of the Celebrate Your Independence event hosted by C&O Canal Rangers and National Park Service Volunteers at the Great Falls Tavern. This event is dedicated to celebrating our independence and will have a volunteer invasive species and trash removal project, Ranger Programs, and tables highlighting our community partners. Stop by Saturday, June 12 between 10 am – 2 pm to celebrate with us!
Parking: Park at the Great Falls Parking Lot
Restrooms: There are flush toilets located by the tavern.
Accessibility: The invasives removal event will involve standing, pulling weeds, and walking to management areas. Some trails, like the Gold Mine Trail, will involve stairs and inclines.
*Safety Notes*: Potential for contact with noxious species such as poison oak, ivy, and sumac, stinging nettles, and thorny brambles.
What to bring: weather appropriate clothes, sun protection, water, snacks
Required forms: All volunteers must fill out a National Park Service Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA) onsite. Please be prepared to fill out this form before the project on Saturday.
Register for the volunteer invasives species and trash removal project:
I want to volunteer!
Questions: Please direct questions to Nicci Talley at [email protected] or Tyson Fullmer at [email protected]
Top photo by Nicholas Clements
