FERTILE, Minn. 鈥� A session on controlling invasive buckthorn is planned for 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at Agassiz Environmental Learning Center, 400 Summit Ave. SW, Fertile. The session will include information on both physical and chemical control methods.
Late fall is a good time to control buckthorn because the leaves stay green late into the fall, making the non-native invasive plant easier to identify.
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For those who can stay around after the info session, event organizers will conduct a demonstration on buckthorn removal techniques. The demonstration will include cutting and pulling of buckthorn branches out in the woods, with a focus on removing berry-producing plants so the berries can鈥檛 sprout next spring.
The Learning Center and the city of Fertile will have loppers and pruners, as well as some gloves, available for volunteers. Fall weather can be unpredictable so participants should wear proper attire, dress in layers and bring snow or rain boots 鈥� just in case.
Common buckthorn is the most common type found in the Fertile Sand Hills around the learning center. Introduced to North America from Europe in the 1800s, buckthorn has long been used as hedges, ornamental shrubs and shelterbelts in homeowners鈥� yards. However, it quickly spreads from pruned, well-kept yards and invades parks, roadsides and forests.
Buckthorn needs to be removed because it:
- Outcompetes native plants for light, moisture and nutrients.
- Reduces species diversity of plants, birds and other wildlife.
- Destroys wildlife habitat.
- Provides only one type of fruit for birds when other native foods have diminished.
- Lacks natural controls like insects and plant diseases that attack it.
- Hosts soybean aphids.
For more information on the upcoming buckthorn event, contact Wayne Goeken at (218) 280-0516 or by email at wgoekenmn@gmail.com .
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