Over the last ten years COMLARA Park has seen an explosion in the amount of non-native species growing within the park boundaries. The two species that are most prevalent are Autumn Olive and Japanese Honeysuckle. The Park’s Department has seen entire areas taken over by these invasive species. What were once prairies, grasslands, and reforested areas, are now solid stands of Autumn Olive and Japanese Honeysuckle. Our goal is to rid these areas of the non-native species and plant native species of trees and grasses.
The Park’s Department began an eradication program last year in some fields that were not so heavily rooted. With the help of some local Boy Scout groups these areas were planted with white oak and burr oak acorns. There are some areas that are so thick that the Parks Department does not have the equipment to remove these invasives. There is a machine called a GeoBoy (With a Fecon Head) that can mulch these trees/bushes to the ground. Unfortunately, the cost of hiring someone to do this work is somewhat expensive. If you wish to make a donation towards this project, please call the Park's Department at (309) 434-6770. THANK YOU!