Revised December 18, 2024
Freeman Park has undergone a noticeable evolution over the last year. First, Prof. Mike Schuster and his team of researchers from the University of Minnesota, are studying alternative buckthorn management strategies in the park’s western section. This research focuses on methods aimed at exhausting the plant without relying on herbicides. The plots are marked with various colored stakes and ribbons. The research comes at no cost to Shorewood taxpayers.
Schuster has produced several informative videos on managing buckthorn. “Beating Buckthorn” showcases Schuster’s research on innovative buckthorn control strategies. YouTube.
The exhaustion method of buckthorn control involves repeatedly cutting or removing parts of the plant (typically above-ground growth) to deplete its energy reserves stored in the roots. Buckthorn, like many invasive species, relies on its ability to regrow quickly after being cut. With persistent cutting over time, the root reserves become exhausted, and the plant eventually dies because it can no longer produce enough energy to sustain itself.
Meanwhile, the areas of the park cleared of buckthorn show a remarkable contrast to the western woodland that remains untouched. After a commercial forestry mulcher cut the noxious plants starting in winter 2024, volunteers held two “clean-up” events dragging the brush out of the woods to be chipped or hauled away.
Above: After buckthorn removal (Left) and before (right)
In early summer, city workers planted over 100 young trees and spread seed for various native plants and grasses as part of a strategy to smother buckthorn seedlings. This fall a crew from Hennepin County Sentencing to Service (STS) spent approximately 8 weeks doing additional clearing. Finally, the city purchased a tracked brush mower to cut the summer’s new growth of buckthorn which finished in November.
The buckthorn removal project in Freeman Park represents a collaborative effort between the city, contractors, researchers, and the community to restore and maintain the park’s natural ecosystem. Ongoing clearing, maintenance and monitoring are planned to ensure the effectiveness of these restoration efforts and to continue the transformation.
More reading:
Freeman Park: The Beginning of Shorewood’s Premier Park
Residents Make a Difference
Freeman Park Vision: Not Just for Children
