Initial treatments
In early 2025, our Ecological Restoration Crew worked alongside a crew of technicians from EcoForesters to remove aggressive non-native species infestations from a 14-acre area along Avery Creek Road.
This work was performed during the second half of a two-week partnership with EcoForesters. After the combined crews spent the first week removing kudzu and other non-native invasive species from the Davidson River corridor, they set their sights on these heavy infestations of non-native invasive species – primarily Autumn Olive – along Avery Creek Road.
The combined crews used the following tools to remove these harmful plants:
- Brush cutters
- Chainsaws
- Hand tools
A selective herbicide was applied to the stumps that were cut to prevent the plants from resprouting.
Our crew later used the cut-and-chip method to chip and spread the removed debris. This method accelerates the decay of the invasive plant material and helps to release important nutrients back into the soil. It also reduces potential sources of fire fuel along the road.
Volunteer support
During Pisgah Project Day 2025 and 2026, EcoForesters led invasive plant removal projects in the Avery Creek Road area. This allowed community volunteers to help further the work our combined crews started in early 2025.
Ongoing management
In Spring 2026, our Ecological Restoration Crew completed additional treatments along Avery Creek Road, including follow-up treatments in previously treated areas.
The coming years will see more invasive plant removal work in new sections of the Avery Creek Road area, as well as more follow-up treatments in previously treated areas to manage regrowth and new sprouts.
