Dense thickets shade out native plants reducing growth and biodiversity.
Vigorous growth prevents native saplings from initial development as well as regeneration after a disturbance such as a severe storm.
The dense growth can hinder or prevent wildlife movement and access to native food sources.
Management:
Park biologists are monitoring existing locations and are addressing new growth areas as they are detected. We are repeatedly, throughout the year, cutting it and applying herbicide to the cut stem, or cutting it and applying herbicide to any leaves that resprout after cutting.
What Can You Do?
As a devoted visitor to Gettysburg National Military Park, you can see the direct impact the Wineberry is having on your park. During the warm weather months, we host a series of Volunteer Work Days. Sign up for one or all of these to lend a hand! You have the opportunity to aid our staff to combat this invading species and perhaps slow or halt their march across our fields, our hills, our stone walls, our fences, or even around our monuments.
Cutting the Wineberry plants while coordinating with Park biologist who may follow up with application of herbicides.
Reporting of any sightings of Wineberry infestations.
