Russian Thistle removal at Fort Clinch earns a challenge coin

from Bev Lawence/Jason Allgood

October 27, 2021

A group of volunteers working together to remove invasive plants from beaches, public and private land.  Great camaraderie and satisfaction of being part of the solution!

Fernandina Beach’s exotic/invasive plant removal “The Invader Raiders” received a small token of appreciation from Fort Clinch State Park. This morning Jason Allgood, Fort Clinch, presented the Invader Raiders with a challenge coin.  In the spirit of the challenge coin, used effectively by the military to recognize outstanding achievement the Raiders received a Fort Clinch coin.  This year The Invader Raiders  removed approximately 5,339 Russian thistle from the beach from April to October.

Pictured left to right: Jason Allgood, Kathy Mason, Joyce Tuten, Bev Lawrence, Kay Stephens, Toby Tovar, Jane Everts, Jane Mace, Kathy Russell and Mark Tomes.

Meeting twice a month they scoured the beach, taking all the Russian Thistle plants they saw.  The Raiders would love more citizens to join them.

If interested in joining the Raiders please message them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/invaderraiders   Also, if interested in removing invasive plants on city beaches and parks please email Kathy Russell at krussell@fbfl.org