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Invasive Species Control

Invasive species, specifically aggressive and non-native plants, threaten our native ecosystems. Learn how our Natural Areas Management (NAM) team manages these “plants out of place.”

Our Natural Areas Management team utilizes an Integrated Pest Management strategy to control invasive plant species. These controls (typically used in combination) include: 

Manual Control 

The physical cutting or removal of a plant. A couple of examples of our manual control practices include tree and brush clearing and cutting flowering Canada thistle. 

Biological Control 

The utilization of animals to control an invasive plant species. NAM utilizes cattle and goats to control invasive cool-season grasses and brush. 

Chemical Control 

The application of herbicides to control an invasive plant species. NAM uses herbicides only when necessary. Species such as Tree-of-Heaven and exotic honeysuckle require herbicides for effective control. 

Cultural Control 

Indirect action taken to prevent or reduce the prevalence of an invasive plant species. NAM utilizes practices such as prescribed fire, prairie restoration, and inter-seeding to restore the diversity and resilience of our native ecosystems. Intact, functional ecosystems are resistant to invasion by novel plant species. 

227 S 6th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 328-5600
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