Tackling Invasive Species In Newtown

By Kendra Bobowick

Thriving and healthy barberry shrubs tickled State Representative Chris Lyddy’s shoulders. Behind him the rusty red leaves lined thin branches on the mature plant. Newtown Forest Association member Martha Wright noticed the jade green new growth deeper inside the outer foliage.

Turning their backs on the invasive species that crowd lawn space at Fairfield Hills across the lot from the Newtown Municipal Canter, they joined land use officials, Conservation Commission members, Parks and Recreation Department staff, and First Selectman Pat Llodra last Friday, June 12. With a sign board in hand, Deputy Director of Planning and Land Use Rob Sibley held a display of several dozen species of invasive plants that tend to choke out native growth. He also drew attention to the town-supported effort to reduce the number of such plants in Newtown.

“Banishing them is tough; controlling them is what we’re after,” said Conservation Commission Chair Joe Hovious. He hopes residents will reduce the invasive plants on their individual properties, he said. Ms Wright and conservation member Mary Gaudet-Wilson spoke with Mr Hovious, and quickly agreed that they see invasives “increasing all the time,” Ms Wright said.

“I can’t enjoy driving around anymore,” Ms Gaudet-Wilson said.

While nurseries are no longer able to sell many species, some plants are still available for purchase. “Stay away from the barberry, period,” Ms Wright warned.

Ms Gaudet-Wilson added, “The problem is, a lot of things are pretty until they climb a tree and strangle it.”

Mr Sibley later said, “Aside from nonpoint sources of pollution, invasives have the most environmental impact in town. They alter the landscape and the ecosystem, incurring negative financial and economic impact. They are harmful to society in general.”

Battling Invasive Species

Town officials hope to raise awareness, gain active support from the town’s population, and reduce the abundance of invasive species throughout town. They seek support from the state via grant funds, down to the backyard gardener pulling the plants they find on their property. Clubs, school groups, Scouts, etc, can also become involved.

Targeted for townwide reductions are Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet, garlic mustard, autumn olive, multiflora rose, knotweed, and winged euonymus, also known as burning bush.

Future plans include educational PowerPoint presentations, handbooks, posters, fact sheets, and more to maintain effort and awareness.

How To Help

Join Conservation Commission members on Saturday, June 19, at the Orchard Hill Nature Center on Huntingtown Road from 9 am to 12:30 pm where Newtown Lions Club members will be assisting. While Lions tackle autumn olive, Conservation members will reduce bittersweet, barberry, multiflora rose, and garlic mustard weed. Some gloves and tools will be available, but Ms Gaudet-Wilson asks that residents bring their own loppers, gloves, and other tools. Participants will receive lessons in invasives identification.

Lions will provide coffee and doughnuts.

Information on the Conservation Commission is available at Newtown-ct.gov; see listing for boards and commissions.