We will try again to work, taking out privet. This is the best time of the year to remove privet. Privet leaves stay green all year so are easily identified after the native bushes have lost their leaves.
The featured photo is the invasive Chinese privet Ligustrum sinense. When the berries are ripe, they are a deep purple color. Photo by Vince Hale. Chinese privet is one of our most pernicious invasive plants. Here are some thoughts about why we constantly try to keep it in check from Chris Morris, Dallas Parks & Rec Urban Biologist. (Excerpt from NTMN Announcements, March 2024)
- If the community says, “The animals need that food!” There is little to no nutritional value. The berries are mostly indigestible.
- If the community says, “Those plants are home for animals!” Animals and birds are really just in the outside parts, not the deep inside. These are not good habitat areas.
- Pull it up if you can, but if you must, cut the trunk low and flat across at ground level (not pointy)
- Do not be discouraged if some sprouts pop back. This is a war of attrition.
We break into teams and each team has a knowledgeable volunteer, so you know exactly what to do.
For last-minute information, especially if the weather is questionable, check our website or Facebook page for updates, including dates and locations which may change because of conditions. We don’t want anyone working in the forest or on the prairie if there is a chance of lightning strikes.
Safety Information:
- BRING WATER and insect repellant.
- Close-toed shoes are mandatory. Heavy work gloves, long pants, and protective eyewear are recommended for your protection from poison ivy and thorns.
- If you have them, bring loppers and/or small tree saws. (No power tools.)
- All participants and the parents of minors must sign our Liability Waiver.
- Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; no drop off/pick up of those under 18.
- For Master Naturalists, this may count as Volunteer Hours on the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest project.
