Battling Buckthorn

Getting to the Root of Invasive Species

Following the creation of the 700-acre preserve, TNC initiated recurring volunteer workdays to control invasive glossy buckthorn at Ives Road Fen. By 1997, a volunteer conservation committee was formed. This dedicated group of volunteers began weekly workdays from April through November with the sole purpose of restoring the fen. Since glossy buckthorn seeds can germinate for years, this would take time.

Prescribed Fire at the Prairie Fen

Another conservation approach TNC used to address glossy buckthorn was prescribed fire—a low-intensity controlled burn—which can also be used to address invasive species. While it doesn’t destroy the root system, it can help control invasive woody species seedlings like that of the glossy buckthorn. 

We use fire as a land management tool because the invasive species we are looking to manage are fire intolerant, meaning they do not thrive or survive when fire is introduced. Prairie fens are fire-dependent ecosystems where the native plants and animals found there rely on fire in order to survive. The invasive plants we are treating there will not benefit from prescribed fire.

This land management tool is implemented in addition to other invasive plant management efforts (chemical, mechanical and environmental controls). Prescribed fire is just another method to help manage invasive plants.

Bye, Bye Buckthorn

What started as five acres of restored fen grew to 15 acres to 50 acres to 75 acres until, nearly 10 years later, 100 acres of Ives Road Fen was restored. On November 13, 2010, the last monoculture stand of glossy buckthorn was removed from the preserve—a monumental achievement.

To many, the removal of glossy buckthorn would seem like a job well done. But work didn’t stop there. Glossy buckthorn is never fully eradicated, and the fen must continue to be monitored for new growth every year. It's also not the only factor impacting the health of the preserve. Prairie fens are susceptible to a variety of invasive species—including both plants and animals—making continued stewardship essential.

Garlic Mustard, Honeysuckle, Purple Loosestrife. Oh My! 

Today, efforts continue to enhance the habitats at Ives Road Fen through invasive plant management. Volunteers gather in the spring and fall to remove invasive species that persist at the preserve including garlic mustard, honeysuckle, purple loosestrife, narrowleaf cattails and reed canary grass. 

It's only through the combined efforts of TNC staff and volunteers that a unique, and one of the highest quality, prairie fens in southern Michigan is being restored and maintained. Ives Road Fen is flourishing, providing a habitat for rare species, contributing to the health of the River Raisin and offering a place for people to explore the wonders of Michigan’s fens. 

How You Can Help

The best way to stop invasive species is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. We all have a part to play in stopping the spread. Help protect native plants and animals by following these simple steps:

• Clean your boots when you enter and exit a nature area to stop the spread of seeds and pathogens. Many parks will have a boot brush you can use at the entrance of their trails.
• When boating, clean your boat thoroughly before transporting it to a different body of water.
• Verify that the plants you are buying for your yard or garden are not invasive.
• Don’t release aquarium fish and plants, live bait or other exotic animals into the wild. 
• Don’t “pack a pest” when traveling. Fruits and vegetables, plants, insects and animals can carry pests or become invasive themselves. Don't move firewood (it can harbor forest pests), clean your bags and boots after each hike, and throw out food before you travel from place to place.
• Volunteer at your local park, refuge or other wildlife area.
• When you see an invasive species while you are out, make sure to report it through the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.