Another incremental step to eradicate buckthorn in Glenmore Woods will continue on February 7, 2018 after taking a hiatus in 2017 due to the felling of dead trees as a result of the Emerald Ash Borer. The board voted to clear the buckthorn from Area 1, 2.5 acres of buckthorn. We chose Area 1 based on our budget and aesthetic appeal. Native Restorations has been contracted to clear Area 1 in the late winter or early spring of 2018.
Clearing involves Area 1 of all invasive trees and shrubs is almost always the first step to restoring a site. Sites that have not been managed over the years will always have woody invasive growth, most commonly buckthorn and honeysuckle, shading out the herbaceous layer. These species both block out sunlight, which does not allow any other plants or trees to grow, as well as become so dense that it renders the area unusable.
In addition to clearing, stewardship is also required. Stewardship is the process of maintaining a natural area over time. This is an ongoing process that will always be necessary for the long-term health of your natural areas. Stewardship encompasses cutting, pulling and herbiciding services to ensure that your natural areas remain in good condition. There will always be unwanted weeds in and around natural areas; however, keeping them at bay is possible. In the early years of restoration, this will be a time consuming and daunting process. As time goes on, and burning and seeding become effective, the amount of time need to steward a site will diminish. It is crucial that the people performing these tasks are trained to distinguish between native and alien plants and that all personnel involved in herbicide activities do so safely and legally. Native Restorations will provide cutting, pulling and herbiciding services to ensure that your natural areas remain in good condition.
We will continue to provide stewardships to Areas 2 and 3 as well, but somewhat diminished due to budget constraints. There will be 4 stewardships on Area 1 in 2018, and 3 stewardships on Areas 2 and 3 each. In the fall, there will be a controlled burn on Area 1 in the fall.