06/11/2026
Restoration work continues to move forward along some of the Blue River corridor’s most challenging and overlooked riparian landscapes, as part of the project.
Environmental Works, Inc. continues invasive species removal and mechanical clearing efforts adjacent to the Dunbar/Leeds area on Tract 7 (8.82 acres) and Tract 9 (17.5 acres). Tract 7 is a riparian corridor (formerly Heart Drive-In Theatre) along the west banks of the Blue River just south of I-70 and Highway 40, while Tract 9 is visible from the Blue River Trail near Stadium Drive, just east of Harvesters off Leeds Trafficway. These less accessible corridors include wooded floodplains, mixed shrub zones, steep slopes, and areas impacted by illegal dumping and invasive plant growth.
Using forestry mulchers and handheld cutting equipment, crews are removing invasive species such as bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, multiflora rose, Callery pear, tree of heaven, winter creeper, Japanese hop, and Johnson grass to support healthier, more resilient riparian ecosystems.
