April 2, 2024 -Volunteers are needed for the annual Honeysuckle Sweep in Fairview park to protect the park’s biodiversity from this invasive plant.
Amur honeysuckle is one of Illinois’s most common and invasive bush honeysuckles. Bush honeysuckles are native to Asia and Western Europe; however, they were once recommended as ornamental landscape plants, cover and food for wildlife, and erosion control. Each spring, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, the Decatur Park District, and the Community Environmental Council join efforts to rid Fairview Park of this invasive plant to protect the park’s biodiversity.
Honeysuckle Sweep will be from 8 to 11 a.m. on April 6 at Fairview Park. All participants should meet at the Fairview Park pool parking lot and bring gloves, pruners, and loppers, if available. Volunteers are asked to register in advance by going to go.illinois.edu/Honeysuckle by April 4.
