The South Jersey Land and Water Trust (SJLWT), a not-for-profit organization focused on preserving farmland and protecting watersheds from Camden to Salem counties, has been working hard this summer to identify and remove invasive species from the wild places of South Jersey.

Serving as the southern arm of the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team (NJISST), SJLWT documented its 1,000^th invasive species population last week (Chinese Bushclover in Wharton State Forest).

Habitat Assessment Coordinator Michael Hogan has led interns Michelle Brown and Trish Pitcher in our invasive species efforts this summer. By identifying and removing invasive species from South Jersey, SJLWT aids in preserving the natural landscape of our woodlands by protecting native species from blight and other serious impacts. Such invaders as the gypsy moth can wreak devastating results on forests.

The SJLWT’s invasive species work continues this fall with three opportunities for community members to get involved in this project including a walk on National Public Lands Day at Borton’s Mill on September 29th.

Learn how to identify invasive species such as Callery Pear, Chinese Bushclover, Japanese Angelica Tree, Poison Hemlock and others as well as how to report their locations to the NJISST during a guided tour of these local parks.

Upcoming Invasive Species Walks

Saturday, Sept. 23 - 10 a.m
Ceres Park, Mantua, NJ

Saturday, Sept. 29 - 10 a.m.
Borton’s Mill, Cherry Hill, NJ

All walks are $3 for non-members and free for SJLWT members.
RSVP required. Contact Mike at 609-476-2086 or hoganphoto@verizon.net. 

For more information, visit sjlandwater.org or facebook.com/sjlandwater!