Park Restoration Projects to Include Invasive Tree Removal

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Naperville Park District plans projects in several parks this fall and winter that aim to restore healthy natural areas with a diversity of plants and trees to support wildlife. The first step in the restoration process is to remove invasive trees, such as Bradford pear, and invasive shrubs, such as buckthorn. The removals allow space and sunlight for a variety of native species to thrive again.

The projects planned are as follows:

• Hobson West Ponds, 1047 S. West Street- The first phase of woody invasive removal took place in summer of 2022, and phase two is scheduled for winter. Staff will clear remaining buckthorn, white mulberry, honeysuckle, white poplar, and pear trees throughout the natural area, with a focus around the north pond.
• May Watts Park, 804 S. Whispering Hills Drive - Woody invasive plants, including black alder and pear trees, are being removed along the pond shoreline to better stabilize the area around the pond, minimize erosion, and enhance water quality. Invasive plants also will be removed from the hill near Whispering Hills Drive to create a healthy prairie ecosystem.
• DuPage River Park, 808 Royce Road - This project will begin with removal of invasive shrubs and trees along the river shoreline and near a natural area known as a fen. Both areas will be restored with a seed mixture of native plants to protect the shoreline from erosion and promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem in both locations.
• Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls Road - Woody plants, including box elder trees and invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle, are being removed along the river shoreline to better stabilize the banks, minimize erosion, and enhance water quality in the river. Following removals, the area will be planted with a seed mixture of native plants to protect the shoreline from erosion and promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
• Summerfield Lake Park, 2003 Skylane Drive - Invasive shrubs and trees, including sandbar willows and pear trees, are being removed along the pond shoreline to better stabilize the banks, minimize erosion, and enhance water quality in the pond. Following removals, the area will be planted with a seed mixture of native plants to protect the shoreline from erosion and promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem.

"These projects are part of ongoing park maintenance and the Park District's commitment to environmental stewardship," said Director of Parks Tim Quigley.

For more information, visit www.napervilleparks.org/restorationprojects.