Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant — and experts tell us that if nothing is done the knotweed will eventually take over, contributing to stream bank erosion and killing  native plants that offer better food and habitat to the birds, frogs  and beneficial insects that live in our park.  One important step in controlling its spread is to cut the stalks in early June.  Please turn out for our work day — we will cut and safely dispose of as many stems as we can!  Come and go as you please,  Refreshments will be provided.

• DO bring work gloves and wear long pants and tough footwear.
• DON’T bring your dog.  Cutting tools are sharp and we don’t want any accidents!
• for more info on knotweed, see http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb1081649.pdf

Knotweed Penitentiary

By the way you may have noticed this wire-and-pallet pen at the far end of the park.  This will be used to stack knotweed stalks, because if any part of the plant — even a piece as small as 1/2″– touches the ground or enters the stream, it will send down roots and make a new plant.