by: Rebecca Marquardt, Landscape Architect, Designer | Land Stewardship Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids
Objective: Manage and Remove Invasive Species in Forest at Marywood in Grand Rapids, Michigan
As is the case in most urban forests, the rapid spread of non-native, invasive Buckthorn and Honeysuckle have impaired the ecological health of these woods by outcompeting the biodiverse plant community that is naturally found on this land.
Venture into the forest with us at Marywood in Grand Rapids to witness what is happening to the ecological integrity of this special natural area. You will soon discover that magnificent hardwood trees like Shagbark Hickory, Oak, Maple, Basswood, Black Walnut, along with interesting understory trees, like Pawpaw, and wide range of native groundcovers are becoming threatened by invasive shrubs.
In order to repair habitat, it is critical that we first manage the invasive species through removal. This is a large scale effort that will take many years (decades) of careful land care and management. It is only through partnerships and community support that we can even begin the process. Thank you for interest in participating in this ambitious, yet tremendously rewarding effort.
Landscape Management Learning Resources
Conservation and community partner network, may provide further context:
- https://www.grdominicans.org/land-stewardship/
- https://www.kentconservation.org/
- https://wegefoundation.org/
- https://www.saintfrancissculpturegarden.org/
- https://www.lgrow.org/coldbrook-creek
- https://wmconservation.net/
You Don’t Want Buckthorn and Honeysuckle in Your Yard!
To help understand the significance of managing invasive species, and to learn specific details about common invasive trees and shrubs you may see regularly and haven’t yet heard about their negative impact in natural areas. Eliminating buckthorn will improve the habitat on any property.
