Natural History. Stewardship. Sustainablility.
Invasive Species
Invasive species tend to have an easier time getting a foothold on land that has been disturbed, as the seeds find easy access to soil and sunlight. Hartley Park exists on a site that was once cleared and tilled for farming, and then left abandoned to grow wild (See Hartley History). As a result, invasive plant species have gained a strong presence on the Hartley landscape.
The major force behind Hartley’s restoration efforts comes from the work of dedicated volunteers. Hartley volunteers work hard to remove existing invasive species and replace them with native species. Volunteer opportunities are available through Hartley Nature Center!
We are currently engaged in a difficult effort to preserve native species and control invasives. Invasive species that receive the bulk of our effort include:
- Common and Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica and frangula)
- Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinaceae)
Other invasive species of particular concern in Hartley Park include:
- Earthworms
- Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
For more information about invasive species in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invasive species page.