The Voracious Vine That ‘Ate the South’ Can Also Fuel Wildfires

Written By Jaylan Sims, Inside Climate News.

Nearly every Monday morning, five restorationists with Conserving Carolina guide volunteers through the steep hills of Norman Wilder Forest in Tryon, North Carolina. Armed with chainsaws, thick gloves and a pickaxe-like mattock, the group goes hunting for a wily prey: kudzu.

The forest’s most prominent features have been overtaken by the invasive vine. The “Kudzu Warriors” cut down what they find and pull up root crowns to try to prevent regrowth…

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS