Invasive Species Prompts ‘Unsightly’ Conditions At Middletown Park

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - The Monmouth County Park System is currently working to control a ‘heavily infested’ area of Huber Woods Park affected by invasive plant species, officials said.

The species sought to be eradicated from the area are Porcelain Berry, multiflora rose and mugwort, the county parks system said in a news release. The multi-year process to stop the infestation will include land clearing, herbicide applications and native species planting, officials added.

“When an invasion of this degree occurs, stewardship is required to restore healthy habitat conditions, including the mechanical removal of several plant species,” the news release reads.

Selective land clearing is set to take place on a four-acre portion of Huber Woods Park during early 2023, officials said.

“Please excuse the unsightly conditions of this area while the restoration is in progress,” the parks system added. “Landscape restorations are labor-intensive and full results may not be obvious for many years. The Monmouth County Park System apologizes for any inconvenience throughout the restoration period but expects that the final results will greatly improve the park for both visitors and wildlife.”

The species have been identified as invasive due to the potential for environmental harm, including outcompeting native plants for resources such as habitat, water, nutrients, and light, parks officials said.

“Native plants are important to an ecosystem because native animals depend on them for survival,” officials said.

“In the case of Porcelain Berry, this invasive species is a climbing vine that can topple large trees if left unmanaged. Additionally, porcelain-berry spreads quickly and creates dense mats of vegetation that cover and prevent the growth of native vegetation. After removal of the invasive species, native plants and animals can be restored to the area to protect and improve forest health.”