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<br />. , <br /> <br />lRl(:1E CREEK <br />WATIERSHIED <br />DISTRI(:T <br />V VCV~o-firlA.l0 <br /> <br />Help Stop the Bullying in Our Woods <br /> <br />Believe it not there are bullies even in the plant <br />world. One of the biggest bullies is buckthorn. <br />Buckthorn is an invasive, non-native shrub or <br />small tree that was introduced to North America <br />during the late 1800's. Buckthorn was planted as a <br />popular hedge but has since escaped into <br />virtually every corner of the state. Each buckthorn <br />fruit produces 2-4 seeds that remain viable for up <br />to six years! Birds eat these fruits and deposit <br />the seeds everywhere. Because buckthorn <br />tolerates shade, full-sun, drought and bad soil, it <br />thrives just about anywhere. <br /> <br /> <br />Buckthorn is detrimental to the health and future <br />of our woodlands, prairies, wetlands and parks <br />because is takes over large areas destroying <br />wildlife habitat and food sources and out- <br />competes other irnportant native plants that we need for a stabile, healthy ecosystem. <br />Both Common and Glossy Buckthorn have are restricted noxious weeds. Sale, <br />transportation, or movement of these plants is prohibited statewide by the Minnesota <br />Department of Agriculture. <br /> <br /> <br />Now is a good time to identify and cut down <br />buckthorn because it will generally be the only <br />plant in the woods with green leaves. Often <br />buckthorn keeps its green leaves into December. If <br />you don't find the motivation to actually remove the <br />buckthorn this fall, at least identify the plants by <br />painting the stems so you can tackle removing <br />them when it warms up in the spring. <br /> <br />If you would like more information about identifying <br />and removing buckthorn, visit this website: <br />hltp:llwww.cLstpaul.mn.us/depls/parks/environmenUbuckthorn. To volunteer to help rid <br />our parks of buckthorn or for more information, contact Dawn at RCWD 763-398-3078 <br />or ddubats@ricecreek.org. <br />