Area Forester Targets Invasive Species at HOEC

This past Sunday, May 19th, our very own ONDR-area forester, Katie Gerber, joined the Headwaters Outdoor Education Center to share tips for identifying and strategies for eradicating Ohio’s common woodland invasive plant species.

As a forester, Katie visits private forest land, by request, and offers suggestions for best management practices, as well as, information on cost-offsetting programs for the landowner.

Katie shared the reasoning behind labeling certain species "invasive."

"These are plants and animals that are brought into an area of which they did not coevolve." Katie continued, "due to lack of limiting factors, like predators and diseases, these organisms can spread unchecked. If they cause harm to the ecology and/or the economy it is considered invasive."

Most may not realize when they establish an invasive species on their property. In fact, many retail stores continue to sell plants that are considered invasive without informing the consumer. Plants like Callery pear, burning bush and tree-of-heaven have ornamental benefits, but lead to unintended harm. Though beautiful to look at, these plants will shade out the understory and prevent Ohio native flora from flourishing in its own home. Katie recommends doing your research on any plants landowners plan to introduce.

"Often times there is a native look-a-like that will get along in your yard just fine. If there is a look or style that you are going for take the extra step and plant natives." Katie comforted.

After a short introduction into invasive species Katie led the group on a short hike to identify Amur honeysuckle. Bush honeysuckle has become a notorious pest for landowners attempting to rid their property of the invader.

"You have to do more than cut it down." Katie explained that even when cut the honeysuckle will shoot up new starts, "you must use an herbicide treatment to take out the whole plant."

Be sure to always read the label of any herbicide before use and take the warnings seriously. When applying use Personal Protective Equipment and only apply as directed.

Cut honeysuckle as the trunk prior to fruiting. When the shoots return you are encouraged to remove them as necessary to weaken the plant prior to herbicide treatment.

Katie Gerber serves Crawford, Knox, Morrow, Richland and Wyandot Counties.