Invasive shrub removal takes place on CSC Campus

CSC groundskeeping staff have begun removing dead and down timber and Russian olives in the Harold and Laverne Thompson Natural History Preserve on CSC’s campus.

Invasive Russian olive shrubs are found across Nebraska and surrounding states. Russian olive shrubs are considered invasive in 31 states and noxious in Wyoming and North Dakota.  

Russian olives are more likely to be invasive near aquatic areas such as Brigg’s Pond on CSC’s campus.

The shrubs are being mechanically removed. Mechanical removal is considered to be one of the best ways to stop an invasion. In order to prevent another invasion the root systems of the plants must be removed from the soil. 

Continuous management can prevent spread of the shrub in future years. 

Russian olives are unable to reproduce until they reach age three and when managed continously will be unable to reach reproductive age. 

The groundskeeping staff is also removing the dead trees and down timber found around the history preserve. 

Removal of dead timber can help clear the forest floor and allow for understory growth. 

Plant growth that occurs directly under groups of trees is considered the understory.

It can also help prevent and control future wildfires.