Abstract
Invasive plants have become a wicked problem of the 21st century. Brought to areas outside of their native range by humans, they cause ecological and economic harm by disrupting ecosystem dynamics that in turn affect humans. Management methods include mechanical, chemical, and biological treatments, but each of these have their own advantages and limitations, which further adds to the complexities of invasive plant management. Units of the James River Park System in Richmond, Virginia are plagued by invasive plants, which are managed by the Invasive Plant Task Force. One of these units, Huguenot Flatwater, is overrun by invasive plants but does not have a recent written management plan. Data about the treatment methods at six other units were collected from site leaders of the Invasive Plant Task Force. Using literature research, these data were analyzed in order to create a potential management plan for six invasive plants at Huguenot Flatwater- English ivy, Chinese privet, Amur honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, wintercreeper, and tree of heaven. The groundwork for a removal event at Huguenot Flatwater with volunteers from the University of Richmond was established so that a future student could implement it. Invasive plant management is a complex field full of trial and error, but the recommendations in this paper are a start.
Paper prepared for the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-19-2022
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2022, University of Richmond.
Recommended Citation
Kempe, Antonia. "Invasive Plant Management at Huguenot Flatwater." Paper for Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone, University of Richmond, April 2022.
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Environmental Studies Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons