Lehigh Crossing Park Work Party

Last week we worked close to the creek just past the boardwalk primarily removing some non-native honeysuckle. Very little resurgence of phragmites has been noted, but it is still early. Heavy rain will cancel, although we usually dress properly and move through light showers.
So far I have seen just a few new leaves from phragmites.
From USDA: Phragmites- are also used for grazing some livestock, but it is reccomended let areas go ungrazed so it can recover-so I believe what we are doing is making a difference-just too bad we can't entice deer to eat it):
Please wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, bring work gloves, insect repellent (ticks may be active), and water to drink. Your favorite loppers or pruners would be helpful, or hand saws. I will bring extra loppers, rakes, a few tools to perhaps remove some small stumps.

1. Photo is of area we have been working on that was completely choked with invasive bush honeysuckle. While the phragmites are still at bay, our crews have been branching out to new areas to provide sunshine and space for the native trees and shrubs. On the ground is the downed phragmites grass that we leave in place, while we move cut shrubs and dug up root balls to various piles that will break down slowly along the trailsides, returning nutrients to the soil as well as provide cover for wildlife.