Shelby Park has an invasive plant species problem, and we need your help to address it!
What is an invasive species? It is a species which is introduced to habitats where it is not native and harms the environment, human health, or the economy. In Shelby Park and Bottoms, a few species in particular have spread and pose a serious threat to the health of the park’s ecosystems (and natural beauty).
How do we deal with invasive plant species? At events such as this, we remove them! In doing so, we create space and opportunity for native species to return. This process entails relatively strenuous work as we uproot shrubby invasive species with weed wrenches and mattocks for about two hours after a brief orientation. Essentially, we are using big metal tools to weed the forest! We will meet at the Shelby Park Community Center and walk a short distance to Beech Grove Hill (the forest between the Community Center and Lake Sevier) to begin removing invasive plants.
Join your community members as we spend time in the woods together, chatting and restoring the ecological health of your public lands! Snacks, water, and gloves will be provided.
If you sign up for this event, we will contact you a few days before with more specific instructions regarding location, attire, etc. We hope to see you out there!
For more info on invasive species, see https://www.fws.gov/invasives/faq.html.
Founded in 2008, Friends of Shelby is a private, nonprofit organization working to preserve, enhance, and promote Shelby Park and Bottoms for everyone to appreciate and protect. We work to protect the natural and historical integrity of the area by supporting appropriate recreational activities, maintaining and enhancing its features, promoting programs that inspire appreciation and conservation of Park and Bottoms, and advocating for a level playing field for the various user groups.
