PARENT SESSION
Poster Session: Innovative Approaches to Restoration
Thursday, November 6, 2003, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Global Ballroom

Method of English ivy removal affects regeneration of vegetation in a southeastern piedmont forest.

Biggerstaff, Matthew^*,1, Beck, Christopher¹, ¹ Emory University, Atlanta, GA

ABSTRACT- Invasive plants can have substantial negative impacts on native flora and fauna. To determine the effects of English ivy (Hedera helix) and ivy removal on native vegetation, we conducted an ivy removal study in the piedmont of Georgia. Ivy was removed by hand or by herbicide, and half of each plot was restored with native seeds. We then counted the number of seedlings present in each plot bimonthly over a five month period. Ivy removal by pulling resulted in the greatest abundance and diversity of seedlings and responded most favorably to restoration efforts. Spraying was effective in removal of the ivy but significantly lowered seedling abundance and diversity and hindered any restoration efforts. Ivy control sites had no seedlings germinate. Therefore, the method of exotic plant removal and if native restoration work is performed can have profound effects on the regeneration of native vegetation and should be a major consideration for future exotic plant removal projects.

Key words: herbicide, English ivy, seed bank restoration, southeastern piedmont forest