written by Gwen Alegre, WNY PRISM partner and Chair, Craneridge HOA Woodlands & Habitat Committee
Two teams came together in mid-June 2022. One was the expert crew from WNY PRISM led by Douglas Knoph. The other was a dedicated group of volunteers representing the Craneridge Association neighborhood in Glenwood, NY. Based on a “reconnaissance” iMapInvasives inventory completed by the WNY PRISM Crew the summer before, the teams converged on a warm, blue-sky morning. Armed with long-arm pruners, powered saws, herbicide drip bottles, and rubber gloves, the teams got to work.
Targets were areas of invasive bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp., primarily L. morrowii) and the fierce-fighting multi-flora rose (Rosa multiflora). The mission’s objectives were to train the neighborhood team on removal tactics, and then clear two invaded areas so that the Woodlands & Habitat Committee could do replacement planting of native shrubs and perennials in the fall and following spring.
The teams quickly fell into step together and worked shoulder-to-shoulder and (safely) saw-to-saw. They felt triumphant as they made quick progress removing the bush honeysuckle. But then they faced the barbed, ever treacherous multi-flora rose. There was sweat. And blood. Band-aids were offered.
Ultimately, triumph! Thanks to the expertise of the WNY PRISM Crew and the dogged persistence of the Craneridge neighbors who will monitor and manage for regrowth. For next year, volunteers will continue efforts to remove areas of invasive terrestrials, with a new focus on the challenging Phragmites.
The Craneridge Woodlands & Habitat Committee continues our valued partnership with WNY PRISM as an important part of our overall mission, which inspires and educates our residents to improve and maintain a healthy and diverse woodlands and natural habitat. If you’d like to learn more about our neighborhood’s efforts, contact Gwen Alegre.
Image caption: The WNY PRISM crew and Craneridge Association members after their successful day removing bush honeysuckle and multi-flora rose from the property.
