By Riya Chinni
Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation is challenging Carmel residents to help eradicate local invasive species by cutting down Bradford pear trees or bush honeysuckle if they can identify that these species inhabit their yards. In return, CCPR is offering residents a free Indiana native plant, a tree or shrub seedling, while supplies last.
“We wanted to get the community to engage with us in the battle against invasive species,” said Michael Allen, CCPR parks and natural resources director. “As part of that effort we wanted to incentivize (our challenge) by offering something for their participation and bring awareness to the issue with that incentive being a native species for the replacement option for them.”
To earn a free plant, participants send a photo of themselves with the removed invasive species to [email protected].
Allen said he hopes that asking residents to join the battle against invasive species in their own yards will help to protect the Carmel’s natural ecosystem.
“This is the first time that we’ve specifically asked people to get aggressive on their own property and help manage invasive species, because invasive species on your neighbor’s property can affect your property,” Allen said.
Brittany McAdams, the CCPR’s natural resources coordinator, said invasive species are a threat to the ecosystem because they can crowd out native plants.
“Invasive species are called invasive because they take over an area. They are not native, they’re aggressive, and they take over our native ecosystem. The negative impact is that we’re displacing our native plants and we’re changing our native ecosystems by letting them grow,” McAdams said. “Often times they have lower wildlife value, so the berries that they produce aren’t as nutritious to birds, so it doesn’t give them enough energy that they need for their migration. It’s like a domino effect if they’re left in the environment.”
Learn more at carmelclayparks.com/volunteer.
