Let’s start a movement. The spread of invasive species is recognized as one of the major factors contributing to ecosystem change and instability in our county, region and nation. These species have the ability to displace or eliminate native species, alter fire regimes, damage infrastructure and threaten human livelihoods. Invasive species are changing the iconic landscapes of our nation. To effectively control invasive species, removal needs to extend beyond the borders of natural areas. The invasive species European buckthorn is currently the most common tree in Lake County, making up more than 40 percent of our canopy, according to a 2010 tree census conducted by the U.S. Forest Service and The Morton Arboretum. It will continue to be an issue until the community is involved: from private landowners to homeowner associations, golf courses to garden clubs, businesses to school districts. By developing a network of critical landscapes, everyone can work together to safeguard the resources and places that benefit people, wildlife and the economy. Momentum is building and will continue to build. Together, public and private partners are working toward a buckthorn-free Lake County, serving as catalysts for the entire Chicago region.
When it comes to buckthorn removal, the difference across property lines is often stark. To effectively control buckthorn in Lake County, efforts must go beyond forest preserve boundaries. A partnership around Middlefork Savanna (Lake Forest) is working toward the eradication of buckthorn within a 2,900-acre area.
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Buckthorn often grows in dense hedges or thickets. Some homeowners keep it to increase privacy or reduce road noise. Native shrubs, sedges and wildflowers can successfully replicate those effects while adding to the health of Lake County. Eco-friendly properties, pictured left, conserve water and provide habitat for birds, bees and other beneficial wildlife. Ideal replacements for those hoping to maintain a privacy hedge after buckthorn removal include the native shrubs elderberry and viburnum.