Earlier this week, specialized City of Alexandria staff including
horticulturists and plant ecologists, were continuing work begun
earlier this spring in Monticello Park. These workers are stewards of
the natural and planted areas of Alexandria. Their work consisted of
removing invasive bush honeysuckles using hand-held saws and a spade.
(These honeysuckles are notorious for causing higer rates of nesting
failure for birds using them and for crowding out native vegetation).
Many native shrubs were being overwhelmed by the honeysuckles inluding
witch hazels, native azalea and spicebush (provides valuable berries
for migrating birds in the fall). A norway maple, one of the east's
worst invasive trees, was cut down and left on rocks in the stream
until it could be removed without damaging spring-bloooming
wildflowers near the stream.
The horticulturists explained to people there what they were doing,
not realizing their work was disturbing the birders who make their
annual appearance in Monticello in May. These plant ecologists and
horticulturists at work in Monticello are trying to make it a
healthier habitat. The timing was unfortunate. But the park will be
a better place with the native vegetation restored. Studies have
shown that insects and caterpillars (important bird food) do not feed
on a lot of non-native vegetation. Restoring the natural ecology of
Monticello can only help the birds. Please support the removal of
invasive species so that favorite bird areas can survive. Bush
honeysuckle was not the dominant vegetation at Monticello ten years
ago. Dyke Marsh vegetation wasn't totally smothered by porcelain
berry vines even five years ago. Invasives have overwhelmed the parks
and birders should be aware that bird habitat is being destroyed.
Marianne Mooney, avid birder and
Potowmack Chapter President
Virginia Native Plant Society
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