Invasive Plant Removal
Group Size: 4-50
Ages: 7+
Time: 2-5 Hours
What to Bring: Please bring water, and wear long sleeves and pants. Work gloves and tools will be provided. If choosing a longer project, consider a snack or light lunch.
Invasive species are non-native plants or animals whose widespread presence and potential for overgrowth threatens natural areas or ecosystems. These species are often introduced to a region by human activity, either intentionally or not, and they may come to dominate certain habitats and wilderness areas.
In Brookline, the most problematic invasive plants in our parks are Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, and multiflora rose. Considered one of the worst exotic species in the Eastern United States, Japanese knotweed is incredibly resilient and hard to eradicate, and fast-growing colonies crowd out all natural vegetation. Garlic mustard, a European species introduced to North America as a cooking herb, can establish itself as the dominant undergrowth in New England forests, producing chemicals which inhibit growth of other nearby species. Initially brought to the United States as a decorative vine, Asiatic or Oriental bittersweet can quickly encompass large areas and if allowed to grow unchecked, may wrap and encircle trees, killing them over time. Multiflora rose, while beautiful, spreads rapidly and prevents native species from thriving.
These species represent a threat to Brookline’s parks and sanctuaries. As a volunteer for Brookline Parks and Open Space, you will work with a park ranger to help remove and manage invasive species and help protect and preserve our parks for you and other visitors to appreciate and enjoy.
This project will involve using hand tools such as pruners, loppers, rakes and hand saws.