BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — On Saturday, November 2, the Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission hosted a workshop to combat invasive plant species in the area. About 35 volunteers, including members of the Governor Livingston High School Environmental Club and other local residents, gathered at Lower Columbia Park and Passaic River County Park. The group was equipped with tools provided by Union County.
At the Green Acres property, situated between Lower Columbia Park and Park Avenue, volunteers focused on removing invasive non-native wisteria vines. These vines, which were choking the trees, have been a target of ongoing efforts since 2023. Volunteers cut the wisteria vines at ground level, which will prevent the vines from damaging the trees further and allow native plants to recover. In addition to wisteria, volunteers also trimmed back multiflora rose plants along the walking path.
Meanwhile, another group worked at the Passaic River Park, cutting wisteria vines near the park entrance and removing flowering mugwort along the river path.
Wisteria species native to the U.S., such as wisteria frutescens, are less invasive than their Asian counterparts, which tend to overtake and strangle other plants. Mugwort, originally introduced for medicinal use, spreads rapidly through both seeds and rhizomes, and can prevent other plants from growing if not controlled.
Experts from the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team suggest using herbicides for long-term management of these invasive plants. For more details on invasive species control, visit NJ Invasive Species Strike Team.
The Berkeley Heights Environmental Commission was established to protect the town’s natural resources, including water. As an advisory group, the commission recommends plans and programs to the Planning Board for the development and preservation of open lands and wetlands. All members of the commission volunteer their time for various environmental projects and initiatives.
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