Volunteers and Forest Park Forever Staff Remove Invasive Species in More Than 3 Acres of Kennedy Forest
On November 6, a beautiful, sunny Saturday, over 150 volunteers and Forest Park Forever staff came together to help remove invasive species in Kennedy Forest. More than three acres of Kennedy Forest were carefully swept through by volunteers and staff with one goal in mind — restoring our beautiful Park.
Why remove invasive species?
Removing invasive species is one piece of supporting a thriving, healthy ecosystem. The living world and all its systems are complex. Invasive species are non-native species that disrupt the structure of these networks and partnerships.
However, removing invasive species should never be considered the final step. It is essential to understand that continuous stress to a natural community can have long-lasting impacts.
Proactively managing invasive species is better than waiting until the species has taken over, and supporting a robust, resistant system is the most proactive approach. A diverse, resistant habitat can completely prevent invasive species from taking root. For example, in such a habitat, when a tree falls and opens up a new hole in the canopy, sun-loving plants will quickly fill the available space. And as the trees grow taller and cast more shade to the area, the shade-tolerant plants of other shady areas will step up.
The group combed through the Kennedy Forest Boardwalk. Thanks to the five-year Mysun Charitable Foundation Grant, this winter we’ll be incorporating 5.1 acres in Kennedy Forest into our restoration process.
The primary goal overall was to reduce the seeding of invasive brush species in the Park particularly near restored habitats, therefore reducing persistent invasion pressure in the Park.
Together, this fast-acting crew removed a total of six dump truck loads, which is equivalent to 40 cubic yards! We are grateful to everyone who helped us restore this beloved native portion of Forest Park so that people and wildlife can enjoy it now and forever.
