The New River Conservancy, along with partners at Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development, Todd Community Preservation Organization, and the NC Wildlife Federation, held an invasive species removal day last month at Todd Island Park, in Todd, NC, along the banks of the South Fork of the New River.
Todd Island Park is a popular park located near Todd, NC. The park is used by flyfishers, bird watchers, floaters, and families year round. There have been multiple restoration projects at the park to help stabilize the island’s banks and enhance habitat for wildlife. Helene had a major impact on the island and much of the native vegetation that was established was washed away. With many of the native plants being removed from the island, invasive species such as Japanese knotweed and Asian bittersweet are taking over after the disturbance. The goal of this event is to ensure the island is not overrun by invasive plants.
NRC Director of Operations and Projects, Joe Johnson says “An often forgotten component of natural disasters is that non-native invasive plant species thrive after major disturbances. Species such as Japanese knotweed are well adapted to take advantage of these circumstances and will outcomplete native plants that function within local ecosystems. The goal of this event was to ensure that the native plants have a chance to reestablish before they are outcompeted by invasive species.”
Marketing Director, Lisa Galitz says “The sheer numbers of hours our volunteers have worked since Helene is staggering. We absolutely could not do the work we do without those folks dedicated to helping the New River. Huge thanks and respect to each and every one of them and also to our partners.”
Eight volunteers spent around four hours removing Japanese knotweed and Asian bittersweet from the park. Johnson also says “It was a productive day and I’m hoping it can be an annual event at Todd Island.
