Volunteers Help Remove Invasive Shrubs at the Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park

Friday, December 9, 2022

A group of volunteers from the Naperville Park District and The Conservation Foundation braved the cold on Saturday, December 3 to help remove invasive plants from the woodland at the Rus Preserve at Knoch Knolls Park.

Buckthorn and honeysuckle are two of the most common invasive shrubs that can take over a woodland, creating a dense understory that blocks sunlight and prevents beneficial native plants from growing.

"December is an ideal time to remove buckthorn and honeysuckle," said Eric Shutes, director of planning for the Naperville Park District. "These invasive plants are very easy to identify and remove at this time of the year."

"Projects like these can help restore healthy woodlands with more diverse plants and trees," said Brad Wilson, executive director. "We appreciate the assistance of The Conservation Foundation volunteers who helped to get a lot done in just a few hours."

Volunteers stacked the invasive shrubs removed on December 3

Join A Volunteer Project in Any Season

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Want to learn more about nature and pitch in to help restore natural areas at the Park District? There are ways for individuals and groups to get involved from participating in a one-time project to joining a team that cares for an area for a season under the guidance of a Park District staff member, to adopting a park in your neighborhood. Learn more by visiting our volunteer webpage or contact Volunteer and Events Manager Becca at rkrzyszkowski@napervilleparks.org or call 630-848-3606.