By 1808Delaware
Honeysuckle is taking over, and the community is stepping up to tackle it head-on. This November, Preservation Parks of Delaware County invites everyone to Deer Haven Park for an event that aims to reclaim native biodiversity. The 2024 Honeysuckle Hackfest is happening on Saturday, November 16, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 4183 Liberty Rd., Delaware, and promises to be a fun and educational day for all ages.
Invasive Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is more than just an overgrown shrub—it’s a persistent invader. It outcompetes native plants, disrupts wildlife habitats, and even increases the risk of fires. By monopolizing sunlight, soil nutrients, and space, honeysuckle crowds out other important species, harming the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Deer Haven Park, like many other natural areas, faces these challenges, and this year’s Hackfest hopes to make a real impact in clearing these invaders.
The Benefits of Removing Honeysuckle
Why focus on honeysuckle removal? The answers are clear: getting rid of this invasive plant restores the natural diversity of native plants, creating healthier ecosystems. The return of native species means improved habitat for local wildlife and better overall environmental health. As Preservation Parks puts it, “All life depends on healthy ecosystems.” By joining the Honeysuckle Hackfest, volunteers can help ensure Delaware County’s green spaces flourish with the right mix of native flora, benefiting animals, insects, and future generations of people.
Fun, Food, and Goats
The Honeysuckle Hackfest isn’t just about pulling weeds—it’s about bringing the community together for a shared cause, with a bit of fun mixed in. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities and even get up close to large utility vehicles in the “Touch a Truck” area. Hungry participants can explore various food trucks, ensuring no one runs out of energy to continue the fight. And let’s not forget the goats! Yes, actual goats will be on hand thanks to “Goats on the Go,” showcasing an environmentally-friendly way to tackle invasive species. These animals have a natural appetite for honeysuckle, proving that sometimes nature’s solutions are the best ones.
Hack It Out: How You Can Get Involved
Want to take action against honeysuckle? There are multiple ways you can make a difference. Hire a G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time Arborist) to help tackle large patches. Or, if you want to see goats in action, “Goats on the Go” is a unique and eco-friendly way to clear out invasive plants—all you need to do is sit back and let these animals munch away. If you prefer a hands-on approach, grab a pair of gloves and some loppers, and hack out honeysuckle yourself!
Anyone interested in learning how to remove honeysuckle effectively will get hands-on advice and demonstrations during the Hackfest, ensuring that you can continue making a positive impact even beyond the event. Whether it’s your backyard, your neighborhood, or other local parks, the skills learned here can help keep nature thriving everywhere.
Working Together for a Greener Future
The Honeysuckle Hackfest is a collaborative effort made possible by the Delaware County Foundation, Green Columbus, and Preservation Parks of Delaware County. Their shared vision is simple: to bring people together to take collective action for the good of the environment. With a little teamwork and community spirit, clearing invasive honeysuckle is just the beginning—an important step toward reclaiming native habitats and preserving the beauty of our local parks for everyone to enjoy.
Mark your calendars for November 16, grab some gloves, and come ready to tackle this invasive problem, one honeysuckle shrub at a time.
