South Wake Conservationists

On Oct. 19th, our eager SWC crew was assigned the task of removing woody invasives to give a small patch of river cane more sun to create a beachhead to support additional growth. Due to the thick brush, our small crew was perfect. Celia, the park’s activities director, explained the importance of this native plant to protect creeks.  She gave an example pertaining to last year’s Hurricane Helene. Where there were stands of cane, erosion damage to creek banks was minimal, but, where there were no cane stands, the damage was catastrophic. 

In order to give the existing river cane more sun, along with the usual suspects of privet, bradford pears, and mulberry trees,  some non-invasive plants, primarily green briar and virginia creeper had to be removed. To complicate the work further, it had to be accomplished without harming the existing cane. Celia supervised the removal to ensure minimal damage to existing cane and adjacent plants.  

Due to the sensitive area and difficult brush, South Wake Conservationists have been charged with maintaining the site and increasing the size of the stand. Our plans are to come back in winter when it’s easier to remove evergreen invasives. Wtch this space for the next workday and please join us!