Woods Keeper at
Grant Park
Grant Park Spring Update 5.14.24
It’s been a beautiful spring so far as we’ve turned our attention to Constitution Springs. We’ve been working hard to remove the invasive shrub layer and invasive climbing vines from the area around this unique and historic feature of Grant Park. Invasive wisteria, paper mulberry, and honeysuckle are the main targets along with the usual suspects. We’re uncovering some awesome native plants such as Rivercane, Mayapple, Devil’s Walking Stick and more! While we prevent English ivy from climbing trees and smothering plants, for now we are leaving much of the ivy ground cover on sloped areas to avoid washout and erosion issues. Long term plans are to thin out the English ivy while native plant populations recover and spread with their newfound space and sunlight created by the removal of the invasive shrubs and vines.
As always, we are keeping an eye on all of our previous work areas and managing them accordingly and in line with the goals of the Grant Park Conservancy. The wetland area is looking amazing and we’re gearing up for a maintenance day on the slope next to the pool as pool season gets ready to kick off.
If you happen to to see us working in the park please don’t hesitate to ask questions or just say hi. We love to talk about the work and we love restoring native ecosystems!
- Woods Keeper
Crew
Constitution Springs
Looking at the right half you can see the definition of the slope compared to the left side where the invasive shrub layer has yet to be removed
Native
Devil’s Walking Stick
Aralia spinosa
Invasive Wisteria root ball
Wisteria sinensis
In November of 2022 Woods Keeper began work at Grant Park, beginning in the “wetlands” area near Cherokee Avenue. Majestic bald cypress and river birch trees stand tall while native asters and other wetland plants provide for local wildlife. Several planted native button bushes (Cephalanthus occidentalis) dot the area and it’s impossible to miss the stand of gigantic irises. Invasive plants such as honeysuckle, chaff flower, privet, English ivy, and stiltgrass threaten this space and others around the park as they spread rapidly and crowd out native species.
Woods Keeper’s focus is to remove and suppress these harmful non-native invasive plants so that native plants — plants that provide for the local ecosystem — can continue to exist and better yet, thrive. Biodiversity is the goal while beautification and improved visibility are the perks of the process. Check back here for updates or come enjoy another walk in this beautiful, historic park and see for yourself!
**Does native habitat restoration mean every plant that’s non-native will be removed? No. We believe non-native plants can have a place in landscapes as long as they are not invasive. This issue is not black and white and often requires a nuanced discussion involving the specifics of the site.
Winter is a great time for removal as most natives are dormant, making some invasive plants easy to spot as they are often evergreen.
Cypress knees have long stumped scientists about their purpose but they are unique and wonderful, that’s for sure!
