February 28 – March 4 is National Invasive Species Awareness Week! Invasive species are those that do not occur in a region naturally and cause ecological or economic harm, or present a hazard to human or domestic animal health. The City of New Albany is currently removing the invasive plants from Resch Park and parts of the new Taylor Farm Park. Resch Park is along Rose Run and Taylor Farm has both Sugar Run and the Rocky Fork running through it. We also regularly remove invasive plants from Rose Run Park and the Phelps House. Removing the invasive plants allows our native plants to thrive, which increases water quality and improves wildlife habitat. It also creates a safer and more welcoming park experience by improving visibility along trails.

There are 38 plant species regulated as invasive by the state of Ohio, including the Callery pear which will be banned from distribution starting in January of 2023. In addition to plants, invasive insects are managed in New Albany. We have many ash trees along our streets that are treated to resist the invasive emerald ash borer beetle. This insect has devastated ash tree populations in North America and threatens to make ash trees regionally extinct. Surveying our street trees and woodlands for invasive insects, and maintaining a healthy, resilient urban forest are also integral parts of New Albany’s invasive species management. To learn more, visit the Ohio Invasive Plants Council at OIPC.info or the USDA National Invasive Species Information Center at invasivespeciesinfo.gov.