Summary

In the winter of 2006-2007, the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) of Louisville, KY made it possible for LL&W to begin restoration work along Beargrass Creek. Our main focus was to remove, Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), an invasive shrub. Bush Honeysuckle’s rapid growth out competes our more desirable native plants.

Beargrass Creek flows through the city of Louisville and joins the Ohio River upstream from downtown. LL&W began removal of invasive plants approximately one mile from the confluence of the Ohio River. Volunteers and Metro Parks of Louisville helped LL&W to remove a half mile of Bush Honeysuckle and invasive vines. This removal has resulted in the return of native plants such as white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), pokeberry (Phytolacca decandr), and several asters. Also, a small group of seedling paw paw trees (Asimina triloba) has emerged.

Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) has returned to Louisville, KY for the winter of 2007 -2008 to continue our restoration efforts. On November 17, 2007 LL&W, MSD, and volunteers planted 180 trees and shrubs in areas where Bush Honeysuckle was removed.

Currently, LL&W has picked up where we left off last winter. Our goal is to continue to work our way downstream on Beargrass Creek, removing Bush Honeysuckle and other invasive plants, with the hope of reaching the confluence of the Ohio River by the end of February. Once again, we will be looking for volunteers to help drag and pile pre-cut invasive plants. Our volunteer event days are the last Saturdays in January (26th) and February (23rd) of 2008. Also, LL&W encourages you to attend Olmsted Parks Volunteer Events at Cherokee Park the first and third Saturdays of the month. Please see our event calendar.

What to Expect on Volunteer Day
On the day of the event, make sure you dress for the weather. You can always take off layers of clothing. An appropriate outfit would be outdoor work clothes and boots.
We will still work in a light rain. If there is a heavy, steady rain, the event will be rescheduled.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Living Lands & Waters
Phone: 309.496.9848