We visited the Carney School Forest with Pat Wehner’s 8th Grade Class to assess an area that has been overrun by invasive Autumn Olive. Once considered a quality wildlife / hedgerow shrub, Autumn Olive has proven to be a very problematic invasive species after it was introduced to the US from Asia. It produces lots of berries that are readily eaten and spread by birds, which soon grow into new, thorny, aggressive shrubs. The shrubs grow fast and quickly outcompete native species – sometimes creating a monoculture that limits biological diversity.
Just a few years back, this area was treated with mowing and chemical to control the shrubs, followed by planting of mixed native conifers. The Carney-Nadeau students were able to locate some of the planted conifers, but found them to be outcompeted by the thorny Autumn Olive shrubs. More work will be needed to combat the invasives on this property!
It pays to be observant and proactive when you notice a new species of plant on your property or roadside – a few invasive shrubs identified and removed early can prevent a future “thorny” situation! For assistance and information on Autumn Olive and other invasive species found in Menominee County, contact the Conservation District or their partner: Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC).
The Conservation District also provides healthy, beneficial native trees and flowering nut- and berry-producing shrubs for purchase during our Spring and Fall Tree Sale. Keep an eye on the website for future Tree Sales – items can be ordered and purchased at our online store!
Just a few years back, this area was treated with mowing and chemical to control the shrubs, followed by planting of mixed native conifers. The Carney-Nadeau students were able to locate some of the planted conifers, but found them to be outcompeted by the thorny Autumn Olive shrubs. More work will be needed to combat the invasives on this property!
It pays to be observant and proactive when you notice a new species of plant on your property or roadside – a few invasive shrubs identified and removed early can prevent a future “thorny” situation! For assistance and information on Autumn Olive and other invasive species found in Menominee County, contact the Conservation District or their partner: Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC).
The Conservation District also provides healthy, beneficial native trees and flowering nut- and berry-producing shrubs for purchase during our Spring and Fall Tree Sale. Keep an eye on the website for future Tree Sales – items can be ordered and purchased at our online store!
Initial autumn olive removal spring 2015
Replanting with native species Fall 2019
Autumn Olive taking over again in 2019
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