Invasive plants are a challenge worldwide, changing ecosystems’ structures by disrupting their complex environments. Additionally, they decrease biodiversity and prevent native forest understories (layers of vegetation beneath the forest canopy) from developing, reducing habitat for birds, woodland animals, and insects. With 164 acres of parkland to maintain and preserve, the NCMA has worked to devise creative solutions that combat the threats posed by these forces.
For many years, invasive shrubs and vines, such as privet and English ivy, dominated the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park’s forest understory and prevented the natural propagation process of hardwoods and plants. By removing these invasive shrubs and vines, we provide space for oaks and other hardwood tree species to germinate and sustain the future health of the forest canopy. Areas in which we’ve removed English ivy have seen the reemergence of species—such as cutleaf grape fern and bloodroot—that had been waiting in the soil for the proper amount of space and sunlight to grow.
The more open forest understory also expands sight lines into the woodlands, making the forest a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing space for the public to visit and enjoy.
Eight years ago, we began restoring a woodland habitat in the Museum Park. By removing invasive plant species and replanting the forest understory with native plants, we aim to provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife. Native trees, shrubs, ferns, and wildflowers have been planted in restored forest areas to increase biodiversity in the forest and fortify the woodlands’ resilience to future invasions…