Over the years, Mello has had help from two interns and together they have done what they can to keep the honeysuckle at bay, but it has been a losing battle. This year, MCC has joined the fight.
The MCC crew of six share little in common with one another: Caleb Smith, 31, is from Florida; H Justin, 18, is from Michigan; team leader Maija Griffioen, 21, is from Maryland; Aiden Kelley, 18, is from Ohio; Nasanet Keita, 34, is from Washington, D.C. and Caleb Kinsman, 24, the assistant leader, is originally from Massachusetts, but now lives in Bangor.
The team started work on Monday, June 28, when the temperature in Boothbay rose into the 90s and yet they went straight to work with chainsaws, hand tools and a tractor. “It was so hot, but their energy was amazing,” Mello said. They are so gung-ho and enthusiastic.”
The work is hot, physical and tiring. The water district hopes to clear about eight acres in the three weeks the MCC crew is on site, and the team is up for the challenge. “They are six serious workers,” said Mello.
The Adams Point invasives project is the third such task the MCC team has worked on this summer. Prior to arriving in Boothbay, the team was in Winthrop and Naples and when the crew leaves this area, they will head to Rangeley and beyond.
“Having this team here is huge for us,” said Mello. “Getting ahead of the honeysuckle will be a massive achievement and hopefully we’ll be able to keep it in check going forward.”