How you can volunteer to help protect Lost River Cave

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Lost River Cave is inviting the community to get involved in preserving the park’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Throughout the summer, the organization is hosting monthly volunteer events focused on removing invasive species. One of the main threats to the park’s ecosystem is Wintercreeper, a fast-spreading vine native to Japan.

Without natural predators in Kentucky, the plant overtakes native flora and disrupts the local habitat. Volunteers will help pull these vines, especially in the meadow restoration site, to protect the native plants.

“You’ll be able to pull some invasive plants from around this area to keep them from encroaching on what is currently a very biodiverse and thriving mythic meadow,” said Caroline Galdi, education and volunteer coordinator.

The next opportunity to volunteer will be on July 19. For more details, visit LostRiverCave.org.