Students from the Environmental Studies Senior Capstone class at the University of New England (UNE) have been collaborating with Ward Feurt, a member of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust Meadow Woods Preserve Executive Committee, to eradicate invasive Mugwort plants at the preserve. The invasive plant was discovered in the Patsy Bray Mahoney Pollinator Meadows portion of the preserve last year, prompting the trust to take immediate action.
The UNE students, under the guidance of Dr. Pam Morgan, have played a crucial role in developing an invasive plant management plan, creating a story map highlighting the pollinator fields, and participating in field work to remove the Mugwort. The plant, native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa, is known for its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native species. It primarily spreads through rhizomes, underground root systems that can quickly create new plants.
The removal process involves carefully pulling the Mugwort plants by the stalk, shaking off excess soil from the roots, and removing any surrounding root trails and shoots. The plants are then taken off the property to prevent further spread. The team aims to monitor the field and control the spread to manageable levels. Native species will be replanted in areas where the Mugwort has been removed later this spring.
The collaboration between UNE students and the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust demonstrates the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation efforts. By working together, they are protecting the Meadow Woods Preserve’s ecosystem and preserving it for future generations.
