February, 2008: Removing Invasive Plants Saves our Forest and Streams
From the Computer of Mayor Dave
When I walk around Lake Forest Park, I am stunned by the amount of invasive weeds in our streetscapes, streambeds and around private homes. I see English Ivy crawling up trees, knotweed invading our streams and along the Burke-Gilman Trail, and holly growing in our parks and wetlands.
When we have native trees they host a native understory which hosts native bugs which support native birds and wildlife. I have heard our naturalist colleagues call some of our ivy patches an ivy desert where nothing grows. Over this year we will be providing you with resources and opportunities to remove invasive weeds. If you are interested in joining a group of citizens interested in planning and implementing this project, please contact me at MayorDave @ cityoflfp.com.