Invasive Species Removal in the Ecoscape Forest

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The BSC Ecoscape forest includes an eight-acre remnant of a mature oak-hickory-pine forest – a habitat now rare in the urban environment. The preserve is a five-minute walk from the dorms and contains trees over 150 years old. Ornithology classes have documented over 100 species of birds in the woods including Cooper's hawks, yellow-crowned night herons, barred owls, and wild turkeys. Bobcats, foxes, and coyotes also frequent the woods. Unfortunately, several species of non-native invasive plants have established a foothold in the forest. Teams of student volunteers have been removing Chinese privet, English ivy, and other nuisance plants to help protect the forest, while science classes monitor the successful return of native plants in restored areas.

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