English Ivy has been widely used as an ornamental plant and ground cover. In fact it is an aggressive invader that threatens our forests and open areas. It grows along the ground and into the forest canopy. Vines grow up the tree trunks and spread out into the branches. They block the sunlight from reaching the tree’s own leaves. Without that energy the tree will die. The added weight of the vines also makes trees susceptible to blowing over during storms. Among the many benefits of a healthy forest is this – a healthy forest is the best form of stormwater management.
Volunteer groups and individuals in Cheverly have been working for many years on removing English Ivy and other invasive vines from our natural areas and our own yards.
Cheverly will soon get help from a Clean Water Partnership project to remove invasive vines in the woods of Cheverly East Park along Red Maple Run.
As the project organizers have recognized, forest preservation is among the recommendations of the Cheverly Green Infrastructure Plan adopted by the town in 2011.
Now the Cheverly Green Infrastructure Committee is identifying sites for English Ivy removal project led by new member Paul Jochum. Plans are still in the early stages, but you can sign up for updates now!