Invasive Species Management

The Chapter’s forests, fields, and ponds provide essential habitat for native plants and wildlife, but they are constantly challenged by invasive species; plants and animals that spread aggressively, outcompete natives, and disrupt the ecosystem. On our grounds, some of the most common problem species include Japanese stilt grass, bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose, tree-of-heaven, garlic mustard, autumn olive, and the brown marmorated stink bug. Left unchecked, these invaders can smother young trees, alter soil chemistry, and reduce food sources for native birds, mammals, and pollinators.

To protect our land, the Chapter has made invasive removal a priority. Volunteers and committees dedicate workdays to cutting, pulling, and digging out these plants, as well as safely disposing of root systems to prevent regrowth. For persistent species like tree-of-heaven, targeted methods are used to slow its spread, while protective cages are sometimes placed around young native trees to ensure they can grow without being overtaken. Our educational programs, including Interpretive Walks in the Woods, also teach students and families how to identify invasives and understand the damage they cause.

The results of this work are clear. Areas cleared of stilt grass and honeysuckle quickly rebound with native wildflowers and understory growth. Removing garlic mustard gives spring ephemerals a chance to bloom, while reducing multiflora rose helps young oaks and hickories establish. Each effort strengthens habitat for songbirds, deer, pollinators, and countless other species. By staying vigilant, the Chapter ensures its land remains diverse, resilient, and a living example of hands-on conservation.