Kentwood seeks volunteers to help save trees by combating vines

The City of Kentwood has partnered with Kent Conversation District Invasive Species Strike Team to help remove invasive plants from the city. (Kent Conversation District)

By Faith Morgan
WKTV Intern

Wanted: residents willing to roll up there sleeves, who do not mind getting dirty, and want to protect and improve the tree canopy within the City of Kentwood.

The City of Kentwood is tackling the issue of invasive species, specifically vines harming trees in the City of Kentwood. To aid in the cause, the city recently partnered with the Kent Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team to educate community members on common invasive species.

These invasive species are incredibly harmful to trees. The vines can strangle a tree blocking it from delivering nutrients from the sun and rainfall to its roots. Over time this can cause the tree to wilt and eventually die.

“The City is pleased to join forces with the Kent Conservation District to educate residents on how to save our trees from the invasive vines that are harming them throughout the community,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “All residents are invited to participate in one of the education sessions for the training necessary to stop the on-going damage to our trees.”

KCD Invasive Species Strike team is having training sessions on the following dates (you do need to attend one training to participate in the program):

Monday, Sept. 28, 6-7 p.m. at Northeast Park (1900 Middleground Dr. SE)
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 6-7 p.m. at East Paris Nature Park (5995 East Paris Ave. SE)
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 4-5 p.m. at Stanaback Park (3717 Whitebud Dr. SE)
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6-7 p.m. at Stauffer Station Park (2360 52nd St. SE)
Saturday, Oct. 3, 10-11 a.m. at Covenant Park (3402 36th St. SE)

At these sessions you receive a hands-on experience to learn what invasive species are, what they look like, and how to dispose of them.

Wild grapes in southeast Michigan. (Wasrts / CC BY-SA)

After attending one of these training days, volunteers are invited take part in tackling vines in Northeast Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Sat., Oct. 10. The Kent Conservation District will guide volunteers and provide any necessary equipment. For this event, volunteers are recommended to wear clothing appropriate for physical outdoor work and weather conditions, such as long sleeves, pants and closed-toed shoes.

Trees in City of Kentwood are immensely important as they help to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Trees also help to remove pollutants from the air and soil. More importantly, for homeowners, trees can increase property value.

These invasive species combat the growth of trees in City of Kentwood. Some of these even release toxic chemicals into the soil which can harm native plant species. Some of the more commonly known species in Michigan are oriental bittersweet, wild grape and poison ivy.

Trained residents also have the option to do self-directed work as long as they communicate with the Department of Public Works on where and when the work was completed, so staff can follow up if necessary. The City hopes to host more trainings and events in other parks in the future.

For more details, community members may visit kentwood.us/vinevolunteers.