Invasive Species Management

Invasive species are plants, insects, pathogens, and other living organisms that colonize areas beyond their natural range, often through intentional or unintentional human intervention, and cause damage to the ecosystems they invade. In the Garden’s Native Forest, invasive plant species are a major concern as they often out-compete native species for scarce resources such as water and light. Left unabated, invasive species would eventually so alter the Forest that it would no longer be recognized as “native.”

As part of the Forest Management Plan, the Garden actively manages invasive species, removing as many as possible and replanting native species in their stead. One particular target is the corktree (Phellodendron amurense); once removed, the trees are chipped and used to maintain Forest trails.

Invasive Tree Cutting from The New York Botanical Garden on Vimeo.

Managing invasive species is time consuming and difficult but absolutely critical to the Forest’s health. The Garden relies heavily on volunteers in this effort. If you would like to help, please contact Manager of Volunteer Services, James Vickers.