Invasives Removal Squad (IRS)

The GPTF members worked with the Hastings Vine Removal Squad on the removal of non-native invasive vines such as Oriental bittersweet, English ivy and Porcelain-berry in Hillside Woods. The group also planted the northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and named it “Wisahkakw” after the Lenape People.

The Irvington Woods Committee in partnership with the Irvington Green Policy Task Force organized the “Invasive Species Volunteer Day in the Irvington Woods Park”. Volunteers helped the woods be healthier by removing invasive vines and Japanese barberry bushes. 

The GPTF and Haven Colgate of the Hastings Vine Removal Squad organized a special session for a group of 8-year-old scouts, their sisters, and their parents who learned the reasons why it is important to remove invasive non-native vines, and later the participants lopped invasives on the OCA. Information on non-native invasive plants is available through the Lower Hudson PRISM website.  Consider removing them from your yard too!