Wild chervil (Anthriscus Sylvestris) is a non-native species that has been growing rapidly in an area where FPC staff and volunteers restored last winter. In the past, wild chervil had been present but had not been as big of a problem. Fieldwork and Intern Coordinator Katrina has an extensive background in restoration work and suspects that a seed bank may have opened up from a recent planting project. FPC’s Green Team Members spent time uncovering how this happened.
Last winter, FPC staff, and volunteers planted Oregon Grape, Sword Fern, and Red Huckleberry. To improve the biodiversity of the trees, coniferous trees including cedars and grand firs were also planted. Most of the area is populated with deciduous trees from previous logging. The old coniferous trees such as the Douglas Firs, Cedars, and Hemlock had been removed and filled in with deciduous trees including Maples and Alders.
The coniferous trees that were planted last winter are doing well, but the smaller plants need more time to grow, and the wild chervil poses a threat to this growth. The Green Team has been building a plan to address this.
From this work, the Green Team members have learned about the impacts of restoration work and how to problem solve to provide the most support to the ecosystem. They are learning about plant identification and helping to determine how to plan volunteer events and research relevant materials.
So with new problems come new opportunities to learn. We’re thrilled to have the Green Team supporting the ecological resilience of Forest Park’s ecosystem.
To learn more about the Green Jobs Training and Internship Program click here!
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