SWCD update: Learn how to battle invasive buckthorn

It’s the season of stunning reds, yellows, oranges, crisp autumn mornings with brilliant blue skies. It’s also the time of year many of us northern folks look forward to tromping around in the woods and wetlands with our hunting dogs chasing our choice of wild game. Those of you who frequent the woods in the fall may have noticed a particular shrub that is still green and holds onto its leaves way longer than the surrounding trees. What is it? Buckthorn.

These invaders may already be a thorn in your side. Look in your backyard or favorite park. They are glossy and common buckthorn. Buckthorn grows from small shrubs into large trees. In fall, their leaves hang on later than our native shrubs and trees.

Native to Europe and on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Restricted Noxious Weed list, buckthorns create dense stands and crowd out native understory species. Additionally, in agricultural areas, buckthorn may serve as an alternative host to alfalfa virus, oat crown rust and soybean aphids. Birds eat and spread seeds, and seeds fall directly onto the ground, creating seedlings, and the seed bank may be viable for years. Buckthorns change soil chemistry and encourage the invasion of other species such as garlic mustard, which is also from Europe.

What can you do about it? How can you help our forests?

The Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District, Carlton University of Minnesota Extension, and the Duluth Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area will be hosting a “Battling Buckthorn” workshop at the Barnum Community Center 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18. Participants will learn how to identify buckthorn, how to cut and treat invasive buckthorn, how to restore a site after removal, and connect with others. Presenters will also share how funds are available to help you remove buckthorn and other invasives from your property.

The workshop is free. Registration is required. To register, visit carlton

swcd.org/upcoming

-events or contact Carlton SWCD conservation specialist Alyssa Bloss at (218) 384-3891. We are looking forward to having you.