WaterWays held another successful invasive plant removal, this time behind the Red Bank City Police Department. We were joined by WaterWays staff, volunteers, and the Red Bank Public Works team. This event also gave us the chance to test out our new tools… chainsaws! BRRRRRR! With these, we were able to tackle thicker, woodier invasives like the ever-pesky Chinese Privet, which is abundant in the area.
Led by Dom Mackenzie, our unofficial invasive removal expert certified in pesticide and herbicide use, WaterWays staff and volunteers tackled invasive plants using the Cut Stump technique. This method involves locating a rootball and severing all its extending roots. Afterward, a runoff-safe herbicide is applied to prevent regrowth. This method is most effective for woody species such as Kudzu and Chinese Privet because it allows the herbicide to be applied directly to the targeted area, reducing the need for widespread treatment. This approach also minimizes ground disturbance and is more time-efficient.
The group made their way down to Stringer’s Branch, the creek that runs behind the police department along Dayton Boulevard. Some volunteers decided to descend the steep slope to reach the creek bed. Soon, the brush piles started growing, eventually towering over most of the volunteers. The Red Bank Public Works team used a nifty system of tying ropes around the larger branches and pulling them up the steep slope, making the cleanup much more manageable.
The difference after everyone’s hard work is incredible to see. Look below to see for yourself!
With fewer invasive species in the way, WaterWays will be able to implement livestaking in the area, introducing native riparian species to help stabilize creek banks, prevent erosion, and restore the natural ecosystem.
We would like to thank everyone who participated in our invasive removal efforts. Your contributions matter and make a difference. If you are interested in participating in an invasive removal, our next dates email rosy@mywaterways.org to sign up!
