WOODLAND MANAGEMENT
The Problem:
It is very common to see our woodlands degraded and declining fast by the invasive vines, shrubs and trees. With increased development in suburban areas a lot of woodlands have been wiped out. However, small patches of forest have been saved but they have been totally neglected to the point where very few trees are standing - converting the woods into a meadow, which represents a step back in the ecological succession of our forest.
The Solution:
Our approach starts with a forest assessment to determine the health condition of the woodland and the composition of dominant species in each layer - canopy, understory, shrubs and herbaceous.
Our goal is to restore woodlands by removing and controlling the invasive species, save and protect our native ones (such as oaks & hickories), and planting new species to increase biodiversity.
These actions will improve the health of the forest by increasing light penetration into the forest floor that allows for increased germination and survivorship of native species, eliminates competition for sunlight and provides food and shelter for hundreds of other species. In addition, we will see better air quality and increased carbon sequestration.
Helping the ecosystem will help our communities. Here is some of the common invasives species that are taking over our woodlands:
Tree Invasive Species
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Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
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Princess Tree (Paulownia tormentosa)
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White Mulberry (Morus alba)
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Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
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Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
Shrub Invasives Species -
Honey Suckle (Lonicera maackii)
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Autum Olive (Elaeagnus umbellate)
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Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
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Winged Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
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Privets (Ligustrum spp)
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Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
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Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius)
Vine Invasive Species -
Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
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Porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
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Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
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Common Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
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English Ivy (Hedera helix)
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Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
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Winter Creeper (Euonymus fotunei)