Macon Co. Conservation District hosting volunteer day to remove invasive bush honeysuckle

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Macon County Conservation District is hosting a free volunteer workday to remove invasive bush honeysuckle at the Griswold Conservation Area in Blue Mound.

The workday will be May 2 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Bush honeysuckle grows quickly and competes for resources with the county's native plants. With dense thickets, the aggressive, invasive plant prevents sunlight from filtering through to smaller native plants on the forest floor. This hinders tree and plant regeneration.

The plants have shallow root systems and can increase soil erosion in highly impacted areas.

The bright red berries that grow on bush honeysuckle provide low-nutrient food for native birds as the berries are high in carbohydrates and low in the necessary fat content native high-energy berry plants contain that are needed for migration.

Removing the plants helps native plants and trees recover and enhances biodiversity of the site.

Gloves and tools will be provided. The workday is for volunteers 16 and older.

To participate in the workday, contact Mitch Lovgren, Natural Resources Manager, by emailing MLovgren@MaconCCD.org or by calling or texting (217) 519-9926.