Invasive species are a threat to a healthy, thriving ecological community. We define an invasive plant as a species that is non-native to our ecosystem, has become established, can reproduce, can spread without cultivation, and causes harm to the ecosystem. Invasive plant species typically will outcompete native plants for valuable resources, decreasing the biodiversity of plants and other organisms that depend on a healthy, diverse ecosystem like insects and other wildlife.
Many invasive species like privet and kudzu have been widely discussed. However, many more species are currently and potentially a threat to the present and future of the Greenways. We use an adaptive management strategy to address this threat. The first step is to survey the area to detect invasive species. Then make a plan to address and prioritize sites under three main factors: greatest impact, greatest need, and capacity of our organization. We then implement the plan and record data as needed. Finally, we monitor and reevaluate the impact of our management strategy. Our control or management techniques may include: mechanical removals like cutting, digging, strategic mowing, herbicide treatment, cultural treatments like prescribed fire, mulching, over-planting, or a combination of some or all of these options.
We have several ongoing projects, including the Self-Led Nandina Berry Collection, across all three Greenspaces to manage these invasive species, offering ample volunteer opportunities.
You can visit these other organizations to learn more about invasive species and how to help:
Prescribed fire is a land management strategy replicating the natural burn cycle of our forest. It can improve the habitats and quality of our native forests, and reduce the risk of extreme wildfires. Historically in Alabama, fire is believed to have helped shape many of our ecosystems by sweeping through the landscape every 2 - 7 years in most locations. Natural fire would often spread after lightning strikes, and with no roads or people to suppress its spread, it could travel great distances. Native Americans often used fire to clear out underbrush and aid in hunting and agriculture. When European settlers came to Alabama they began to suppress fire, stopping its spread, and negatively impacting fire-dependent ecosystems. Today, land managers understand its importance in shaping a healthy and safe environment.
To improve our forests and meadows for visitors and resident wildlife, our team has undergone extensive prescribed fire training. Strategic plans are being developed to re-introduce prescribed fires to some of our landscapes. Over time, these burns will reduce the fuel loads and decrease the risk of extreme wildfires during droughts. They will greatly improve habitat by allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor, stimulating competition and diversity. These fires will also be planned to help fight invasive species, such as the Chinese Privet, which chokes out our native plant species, reducing diversity and resources for wildlife.
With the support of the Alabama Forestry Foundation and the Alabama Forestry Commission, we have planned a learn-and-burn opportunity at Turkey Creek in the spring of 2025 on a 10-acre unit previously burned in 2021. Additional burns may occur at each greenspace as we continue to improve our land management.
Meadow Enhancement at Red Mountain Park
We have determined this four-acre site along the BMRR South trail of Red Mountain Park to be a great candidate to restore to a meadow. An enhanced meadow will provide a picturesque opportunity for all visitors to enjoy and greatly improve the habitat quality for wildlife while reducing the long-term management needs.
This field area has invasive species like kudzu and other non-native species like annual rye which previously needed to be mowed many times throughout the year. After preparing the soil it will be replanted with native grasses and flowers that can be maintained with either regular fire or annual dormant season mowing. Ultimately, this project will improve habitat and visitor experience, and reduce operational costs.
Wetlands Prairie Project at Ruffner Mountain
A few years ago the area around the Wetlands at Ruffner Mountain was covered in an extremely dense understory of Chinese privet. We have used a few techniques over the years like forest mulching to control this invasive species and restore the area. We continue to control the invasive species and thin the canopy of the ten-acre area to create a prairie-like ecosystem. This area is the hub of our MAPS Bird Banding project during the summer breeding season, so we limit most of our restoration efforts to the fall and winter to reduce disturbances.