04/02/2026
Today was a great day to do a walk through of this property we had done an invasive species removal project on the left as part of an EQIP contract. The neighboring property on the right, loaded with blooming honeysuckle, privet, and multi flora rose. As compared to the left, no honeysuckle, privet, or multi flora rose ! Spring ephemerals, that were once shaded out are slowly coming to life.
This is a great success story of the difference between a woodland that is covered with non-native invasive species compared to one that isn’t. Early blooming woodland wildflowers and other native forbs don’t have to compete with non-native invasive species.
You may have heard someone say that honeysuckle and other non-natives provide great food or cover for wildlife. Yet that is not the case, honeysuckle berries in particular do not provide wildlife with proper nutrients for survival. It’s an ecological trap. They’re low in fats and protein, yet high in sugar. Making wildlife feel full, but not nutritionally fulfilled.