The Plantation Trail area is uniquely vulnerable to invasive species due to its specific history. As previously highlighted in Stop #10 - the land was first disturbed by farming, and then planted as a pine monoculture in the 1950s. This history creates a "perfect storm" for invasion. Unlike a healthy, mature forest with complex soil and diverse native plants, the plantation has simplified soil, a uniform tree structure, and is now declining as the pines age.

Combined with its proximity to urban subdivisions—a constant source of new seeds from gardens and birds—the Plantation Trail becomes a primary front line in the battle against invasive species at Huron Natural Area. While many invasive species are present, dog-strangling vine and buckthorn are two of the most damaging and represent the scale of the threat.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to respond to the questions, and feel free to react or respond to what others have shared.

1. What is the most important role for community volunteers and people living near the park in the fight against invasive species?
2. Would educating residents on how to spot these invasive species help with managing invasive species in the long-term?