Host Volunteers Help Protect and Restore Rock Creek Park

In September, Host employees partnered with Rock Creek Conservancy to wrangle and remove invasive plants and weeds around the Rock Creek Park Nature Center in Washington, D.C. The proliferation of these non-native, invasive plant species-which outcompete native plants for natural resources-is a major threat to the health of the trees and forests throughout the Rock Creek watershed. By removing these invasive plant species, our employees worked to help restore and ensure the resilience of Rock Creek Park's forests, protect the wildlife who rely on native plants for habitat, and help preserve Rock Creek Park as a place for recreation and sanctuary and a gem in our nation's capital.

Volunteers cut back bush honeysuckle and removed invasive weeds, including Japanese honeysuckle, bush honeysuckle, English ivy and wineberry, from a quarter-mile stretch of grounds near the Nature Center. At the end of the day, volunteers had collected four large piles of weeds in addition to picking up trash found along the way.

"Stewards like you make the critical difference for Rock Creek by mitigating the threat that invasive plants pose to our watershed and parklands," said Jeanne Braha, executive director, Rock Creek Conservancy. "Over the last five years, people-powered restoration like Host Hotels & Resorts' has removed more than 1 million square feet of invasive plants from Rock Creek's forests, creating space for native plants to return and promoting biodiversity. Your hard work ensures that Rock Creek won't just survive, but thrive. Thank you!"

Host also made a donation to Rock Creek Conservancy in support of their mission and programs to restore Rock Creek and its parklands.

Learn more about Host's commitment to social responsibility and community impact.