Operation Wild Lands – Castlewood State Park – Honeysuckle Hack
As a part of our Operation Wild Lands program, The Open Space Council and Missouri State Parks are working together to remove the invasive Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) shrub from forests within Castlewood State Park.
Why it’s important?
According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is one of the most destructive invasive species in the St. Louis region. It has negative impacts on native plant diversity, forest health, and local wildlife. Incredibly adapted to our region, when left unchecked, this invasive species can quickly dominate St. Louis parks, trails, and neighborhoods, negatively impacting human health and recreation. The Open Space Council is proud to support Castlewood State Park and its community by aiding in the removal of this invasive shrub.
According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is one of the most destructive invasive species in the St. Louis region. It has negative impacts on native plant diversity, forest health, and local wildlife. Incredibly adapted to our region, when left unchecked, this invasive species can quickly dominate St. Louis parks, trails, and neighborhoods, negatively impacting human health and recreation. The Open Space Council is proud to support Castlewood State Park and its community by aiding in the removal of this invasive shrub.
This volunteer opportunity will take place on Saturday, March 12th, 2022 from 9:00 am to noon.
Click here to register for this event! Check-in and registration will begin at 8:45 am.
Further instructions will be sent out the week of Saturday, March 12th. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled and potentially rescheduled.
The method of removal for this event will be to cut the plant using loppers and/or handsaws before treating it with herbicide.
This effort is in conjunction with Missouri Botanical Garden’s regional Spring Honeysuckle Sweep for a Healthy Habitat effort.
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