Buckthorn, Invasive Plants Removed from Golden Valley’s Briarwood Nature Area

An ongoing restoration project in Golden Valley is aiming to control invasive species.

Crews at Briarwood Nature Area are burning buckthorn that was cut last fall. Buckthorn tends to get thick and limit access to certain areas, and also chokes out other species.

The city received DNR grants for several projects like this around the city. Crews will plant native shrubs and trees later this spring, which they hope will contribute to the health of the local ecosystem for years to come.

A crew member burns buckthorn in Golden Valley’s Briarwood Nature Area.

“We try to design plant mixes so something’s blooming throughout every season so there’s nectar and pollen for birds and insects, and then obviously the water quality benefit having something that’s better established to hold dirt in place and filter pollutants, so hopefully multiple benefits on all fronts,” said Drew Chirpich, an environmental specialist.

Golden Valley contracted with a private company for these projects. They’ll monitor the areas for about three years to ensure the new planted materials are thriving.

Golden Valley