West Hartford To Battle Invasive Plants At Local Park

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Garden Club Sunday is hosting a special event that will not only rid a town park of some invasive plant species, it will teach you to remove them on your property as well.

The club is hosting an "Invasive Plant Educational Walk and Removal Party" on Sunday, Oct. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. at Spicebush Swamp Park, 173 Mountain Road, West Hartford.

Beth Ann Loveland Sennett, a master gardener and representative of the garden club, said the aim of Sunday's program is clear.

"We will stress identification and low-impact removal techniques. If you are interested, please email, text, or call me, so that I can plan accordingly," wrote Sennett. " I will have handouts and offer helpful information to all, with guided instruction."

She did warn that the terrain at the work areas is uneven and soggy in places, making it difficult for those with mobility difficulties.

Participants should plan to park in the small lot on Mountain Road, or across Mountain Road on Gloucester Lane.

Participants are urged to exercise caution on Mountain Road, which is a busy road while crossing the street.

"Our group has been successful at using low-impact removal techniques, relying heavily on cutting invasives to the soil level to prevent photosynthesis and exhaust roots," Sennett said.

"We are restoring this park by removing the tenacious invasive plants that have damaged the site and have worked to install native plants in their place wherever possible."

For more information on the event, click on this link.

For more information on the West Hartford Garden Club, click on this link.