Grants Received to Eradicate Invasive Species

Beginning this spring, Aldermere Farm will go forth with a three phase approach to eradicate an invasive species at the farm: Japanese Barberry. First, farm staff and volunteers will pinpoint sites where the Barberry grows using a GPS unit. The data will then be mapped in AutoCad or a GIS to help keep track of it through time. Barberry is a thorny, fast growing, and easy spreading species that many people use as a landscaping plant. It is found at the farm in many places including the pastures, field edges, and wooded areas.

The second phase of the project includes eradication using a number of different methods to determine which approach works best for eliminating this pesky plant. This second phase will take place during the summer and early fall.

Finally, the third phase is about education. The Farm will hold community forums to educate neighbors and the general public about the downside of using Barberry as an ornamental plant in landscaping. Our hope is that people who live close to the farm will choose other non-invasive plants to use in landscaping so that the Farm’s pastures and forests can stay clear of this damaging plant.

Aldermere Farm has been awarded two grants to go forward with this project. One is a WoodsWise grant from the Maine Forest Service and the other is a conservation grant from MBNA (now Bank of America). The grant funds will help out in all phases of the process. Please contact the Farm if you are interested in being involved with this project.