After a long summer, the pervasive invasive plant, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is now going dormant. It is a good time to identify it along riverbanks and throughout yards, as well as a time to continue to eradicate it. Landowners are working hard to remove the plant and allow space for native plants to regenerate, while protecting the water quality and aquatic habitat of the local rivers.
In 2013, Sung-Hee Chung and Wyle Solomon began a manual eradication project behind the Public House (the former Craftsbury Inn in Craftsbury village) and have had success after two years of diligent “weeding” along the section of the Black River behind the house. They began by cutting back of the knotweed forest and then hand-pulling the shoots that seem to appear before their eyes. Their goal has been to maintain access to the river, allowing for further research on the health of this stretch of the Black River with a long term vision of reviving “Trout Brook” for recreation for the community at large.
The Craftsbury Conservation Commission is surveying the streambank stability and mapping the invasive plant infestation, and Sterling College students are assessing the biological integrity of the river. Ben Copans, Memphremagog Watershed Planner with the Department of Environment Conservation, is excited about this community project as it will support connections between the three state significant natural communities that surround Craftsbury Village along the Black River and the ongoing recreational use of the Black River.
Come see one successful approach to eradicate Japanese knotweed along the banks of the Black River on Saturday, October 11, 12 to 2 pm at the Public House in Craftsbury village, 107 S.Craftsbury Road and learn about other approaches that may work on your property if you are being overrun with Knotweed. Ben Copans will discuss the importance of controlling invasive species and supporting native trees and shrubs along the Black River and Farley Brown, Sterling College faculty, will demonstrate how we can understand water quality by looking at bugs in the river.
Bring your work gloves, boots, and waders, for this hands-on Japanese knotweed party! Please call 586.2848 to reserve your space. For further information, contact Farley Brown, Craftsbury Conservation Commission,fbrown@sterlingcollege.edu.
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