HAMPTON, ILLINOIS (May 9, 2019) — Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is seeking volunteers on May 18, 10AM-12PM, at Illiniwek Forest Preserve to help remove an invasive species known as bush honeysuckle.
Bush Honeysuckle is a highly invasive, fast-spreading plant species with the ability to invade native woodlands, prairies and landscapes. Bush Honeysuckle is upright sub-shrub to shrub plants that are having a large effect on forest communities throughout the state. Of the 13 invasive species of honeysuckle in Illinois, four of these fall into the category of “Bush Honeysuckle” — Amur honeysuckle, Bella’s honeysuckle, Marrows honeysuckle, and Tatarian honeysuckle.
“It’s very aggressive,” says Mike Petersen, Illiniwek Forest Preserve Superintendent. “We’re asking for the communities' help. With a hard-working group, we’re hoping to continue to fight the spread of honeysuckle in the forest and protect it for years and generations to come.
“Bush honeysuckle out competes the native wild flowers and restricts the forest regeneration through restricting the survival of seedlings of the trees in the forested community. Because they are often the first to leaf out in the spring, they easily shade out the desirable native plants. This allows them to expand and crowd out other species increasing their competitive advantage. The reduction in plant populations has a negative effect on the animals in the ecosystem, as well. The reduction of native species reduces the number of native pollinators that are dependent on specific native plant species. Bush honeysuckle also reduced the number of native seed and berry producing plants required for the survival of wintering birds in Illinois. Though bush honeysuckle does produce berries, these berries are not a quality food source for bird species. They lack many of the required nutrients that the permanent bird residents need, particularly in the winter months.” — Jason Haupt, University of Illinois Extension (https://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/eb322/entry_10085)
Petersen explains you don’t have to be an expert to join the efforts.
“We’ll show you the ropes,” says Petersen. “Myself, along with other members of our staff will explain how to identify honeysuckle, and how to safely remove it.”
Participants are encouraged to bring work gloves, wear long pants and work boots or tennis shoes. Water and trash bags will be provided. Meeting place is at the overlook trailhead parking lot off Illinois Highway 84. Pizza will be provided after the event.
For more information on Illiniwek Forest Preserve and the Honeysuckle Removal event contact Mike Petersen at 309-203-1404 or mpetersen@ricfpd.org.
About the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District
The mission of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is to maintain and acquire lands and facilities in Rock Island County with the intent to restore, conserve and protect the waters, forests, and prairies they contain and the goal to create educational and recreational opportunities for the residents of Rock Island County and beyond.
The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District is governed by the Forest Preserve Commission. Today the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission governs six forest preserve areas totaling 2,529 acres. They include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Niabi Zoo, Indian Bluff Golf Course and Forest Preserve, Dorrance Park, and Martin Conservation Area.
