Minute Man National Historical Park - Nonnative Species

Minute Man National Historical Park by National Parks Service

Approximately 337 acres (35 percent) of Minute Man National Historical Park (park) support established populations of exotic species that have invaded fields and forests. Many additional acres support colonizing populations and individuals plants that will become established without prompt treatment. Species of particular concern include European bush honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), European buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), and Asian bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculata). Traditional methods to control these species entail use of heavy equipment, fire, and/or herbicide applications.

Typical control methods at the park entail spring and summer mowing and grazing by sheep, as well as limited use of herbicides. Although mowing may control annual growth, resprouting from cut stumps increases the density of plants in many instances. Although not currently used at the park, fire also is a common method used to control non-native vegetation; however, fire also may benefit non-native species by increasing density through resprouting and increasing plant vigor by enhancing nutrient availability.

Existing, non-native populations at the park currently degrade historic landscapes and viewsheds and reduce grassland habitat necessary to support a variety of ground-nesting birds and insects. Continued invasion and expansion of non-native species will further degrade these resources.