WAYNESBORO – Ever since she was young, Anna Oslikova has had an innate love and care for nature and the environment.
“I also have observed throughout my life, ways that we should as a society, regarding sustainability, contribute,” added Oslikova, a junior at Waynesboro Area Senior High School and daughter of the Rev. Drahus and Andrea Oslik.
Oslikova will support that objective as the host of an upcoming project for the Environmental Ambassadors Program of Pennsylvania.
“Our (the Ambassadors) essential mission is to mitigate litter and invasive species throughout Pennsylvania, and I have been lucky enough to partner with Buttonwood Nature Center in Waynesboro,” she said.
Oslikova and other volunteers will remove three invasive species – garlic mustard, barberry and wineberry – at Buttonwood, home of The Institute, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5. The rain date is Saturday, April 12.
“This is a great opportunity for those who are seeking volunteer hours, or a small way to make a difference in our community,” she noted.
“All of us at Buttonwood are thrilled that Anna selected the nature center as the focus of her project,” offered executive director Tracy Holliday. “Her project will not only contribute to Buttonwood’s invasive plant management efforts but also facilitates community education. Most thrilling of all – Anna is ‘one of our kids’ who attended our school program series as an elementary student. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see that Buttonwood’s mission – guiding the people of the Cumberland Valley region to become stewards of their natural and cultural worlds – is being fulfilled through her stewardship in action,” added Holliday.
Ambassadors must meet three pillars to be accepted into the program, Oslikova explained. “First is a community assessment to come up with an action plan, ideas and different ways to make the community greener. The second is to host an education event. I presented a program about the environment – pollution and ways we can cut back – at Hooverville Elementary School (in Waynesboro). And the third pillar is to host a cleanup event and coordinate with the site. My dad recommended Buttonwood.” Oslikova presented the idea to Buttonwood personnel and then meetings were held to discuss the project and logistics, she added.
“I am very grateful for all of the support I’ve received and so inspired by how our community has come together in support of Buttonwood. Now I need hardworking volunteers to help this project come to life.” To sign up, call Oslikova at 717-387-0031.
Volunteers should bring their own supplies, including work gloves, hand clippers, loppers and shovels, and a bottle of water, and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes (preferably sneakers), long pants and long-sleeved shirts. “Buttonwood will provide pizza as a support gesture, but volunteers can bring a packed lunch if they want,” she added.
