How Bernheim’s Forest Stewards Are Restoring Native Landscapes

This week is National Invasive Species Awareness Week, a time to highlight the threats that non-native species pose to ecosystems and the dedicated efforts to combat them. The removal of invasive species is still ongoing at Bernheim, an effort that our Research Coordinator Kelly Vowels and the Forest Stewards volunteer group have been tackling head-on since 2019. Through their dedication, Bernheim has made significant progress in protecting the health of our land.

Invasive plant species can spread rapidly, outcompeting native flora and altering entire ecosystems. Bernheim has been combatting this threat for decades, and since the formation of the Forest Stewards, efforts have only strengthened. This volunteer group, with a brief pause in 2020 due to COVID-19, has worked throughout the Arboretum, Sun and Shade Garden, Olmsted woodlots, Visitor Center woodlot, Mac’s Lake, Bent Twig, and Guerilla Hollow. Their focus has been on removing aggressive invaders such as bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, garlic mustard, burning bush, multiflora rose, autumn olive, Asian bittersweet, and many more.

Among the dedicated volunteers is former Bernheim employee JT Netherland, who retired in 2022 but continues to work alongside his former colleague Kelly to remove invasives. “It feels good to do the work that’ll have a lasting impact,” said JT. Thanks to their tireless work, over 30 acres of woodlands have been cleared of invasives, allowing native species the space and resources to thrive.

Bernheim’s invasive species management is a hands-on effort that takes patience and dedication to restore and preserve native ecosystems. It starts with physically removing invasive plants like bush honeysuckle and garlic mustard, either by hand or with specialized tools. But simply pulling them out isn’t enough. Many of these plants are stubborn and will grow back if not properly treated. To prevent this, a targeted herbicide is carefully applied to freshly cut stems so that these plants do not resprout while minimizing harm to surrounding vegetation. This approach requires continuous monitoring and repeated treatments over time. It’s a long process, but every step brings Bernheim’s landscapes closer to being healthier, more balanced ecosystems where indigenous species can flourish once more.

While Bernheim continues to lead these efforts, there’s also a crucial role that individuals can play. Invasive species aren’t just a problem in forests; they can start in backyards. Homeowners can make a difference by identifying and removing invasive plants from their own properties. Resources like the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States can help determine what species to avoid. Swapping invasive landscaping plants for native alternatives not only helps control their spread but also supports local pollinators and wildlife.

For those looking to take action beyond their backyard, Bernheim’s Forest Stewards meet every Wednesday morning to help remove woody invasives. This hands-on work is essential to preserving Bernheim’s diverse habitats and ensuring a thriving forest for generations to come. By working together—whether at home or in conservation areas—we can slow the spread of invasive species and protect the landscapes we cherish.