Invasive Plants

Friends of Mianus River have joined forces with UCONN Master Gardener (MG)  and park volunteers to address invasive plants that have overtaken the Merriebrook Lane parking areas. Thanks to donations from park lovers and a MicroGrant from the City of Stamford, we are working to return the areas to native plantings.  Per the US Forest Service, “Invasive species are defined as a Non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration; and, whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Invasive plants thrive in adverse conditions, have many seeds, and crowd out native species. Ultimately, they contribute to decreased soil quality, erosion, diminished wildlife habitat, and degraded water quality.


Invasives must be eradicated before we can plant species native to the area. Given the parking area’s uneven terrain, we used a selective herbicide to destroy Mugwort, the primary invasive.  For the Fishing platform, we are testing different eradication methods: spraying, smothering with wood chips, and solarization.  


Invasives in the Mianus River Park:  


The City of Stamford surveyed invasive plants inhabiting the City’s parks, with the following being the most prevalent at Mianus.  They are listed in order of magnitude, with one having the most appearances.

Contributors:

Isabelle Kanefsky, Volunteer

Liz Gilbert, Master Gardener 2016, Advanced Master Gardener 2019

Linda Chapman, Master Gardener 2022

February 19, 2024



Invasive Species photos (in order of appearance)