Hello!
If you're here, you probably love Kenilworth, and if you love Kenilworth, you should join us!
We are a subgroup of the Kenilworth Residents Association, whose mission is to repair Kenilworth's natural landscapes.
Bears! Birds! Insects! Indigenous trees and shrubs!
Join us to restore and preserve the natural beauty of our neighborhood. Your generous support will enable us to tackle the pressing issue of invasive plant species—such as Kudzu, Tree of Heaven, Multiflora Rose, English Ivy, Porcelain Berry, and more—that threaten our local ecosystems.
You can help fund crucial efforts to identify, manage, and eradicate these invaders, allowing native habitats to thrive once more.
Together, we can promote biodiversity, and create a sustainable environment for future generations. Let's work hand-in-hand to ensure our neighborhood remains a vibrant, natural haven. Donate or join today and be a part of this transformative journey!
Kudzu and other invasive species harm by:
Reducing food and shelter
Kudzu can outcompete native plants, reducing the amount of food and shelter available to native animals.
Changing soil water
Kudzu's root systems can impact the amount of water in the soil, which can affect the ecosystem.
Reducing biodiversity
Kudzu can lead to species extinctions and a loss of overall biodiversity.
Reducing natural beauty
Kudzu infestations can make an area less attractive, which can make it harder to enjoy outdoor activities.
A lot on Caledonia Road completely covered in Kudzu with no flora other than trees that are engulfed and will eventually die.
A workday to remove kudzu crowns and cut vines from the trees
Our friend 'Dewey', enjoying a spring snack in a beautiful backyard restored by KCC from a kudzu wasteland—to a thriving natural forest.
Our Process
We are dedicated to restoring and preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of our neighborhood. Here’s an overview of the steps we are taking to combat kudzu and other invasives and re-establish healthy, native habitats.
Several kudzu crowns that were dug up in the Spring of 2024 at a property on Caledonia Road.
1. Clearing of Land
Manual Work
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Initial Assessment: We begin by surveying the affected areas to understand the extent of invasive infestation.
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Manual Removal: Volunteers and staff use tools such as machetes, pruners, and saws to cut down vines and remove any foliage. This method is labor-intensive but effective for immediate removal.
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Root Excavation: Where possible, we dig up and remove the kudzu root crowns, which are essential to prevent regrowth. Depending on the size of the root, there is alternate approach in which we cut the top of the crown and apply an herbicide. This step is crucial as kudzu can regrow from root fragments left in the soil.
Animal Grazing
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Grazing Animals: We utilize grazing animals, such as goats that naturally feed on kudzu. Grazing helps reduce the biomass of kudzu, making manual removal easier and more effective.
2. Herbicide Application
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Selective Use: Partnering with environmental specialists, herbicides are carefully applied to areas where manual removal and grazing are insufficient. We use environmentally safe herbicides that target kudzu while minimizing impact on surrounding plants.
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Monitoring and Reapplication: Regular monitoring is conducted to assess the effectiveness of herbicide treatments. Follow-up applications are performed as needed to ensure complete eradication.
3. Re-Establishing Ground Cover
Erosion Control
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Temporary Cover Crops: To prevent soil erosion, we plant temporary cover crops such as ryegrass. These plants help stabilize the soil, reducing the risk of erosion until native plants can establish.
Planting Native Species
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Selection of Native Plants: We carefully select native plant species that are well-suited to the local environment and capable of outcompeting any remaining kudzu. These plants help restore the natural ecosystem and provide habitat for wildlife.
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Planting and Maintenance: Volunteers and staff plant native trees, shrubs, and ground covers. Regular maintenance, including watering, mulching, and monitoring, ensures the successful establishment of these plants.
4. Community Involvement and Education
Volunteer Engagement
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Community Workdays: We organize regular community workdays where volunteers can help with manual removal, planting, and maintenance activities.
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Training – Community Forums: Educational events are held to teach volunteers and community members about invasive species management and native plant restoration. Look for us in the Festival of Neiborhoods, held in the fall 2024.
Public Awareness
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Information Campaigns: We run information campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of invasive species like kudzu and the importance of native plant restoration.
We're in urgent need of funds, members and volunteers to continue this important work for our neighborhood!*
Join
Attend KCC meetings, volunteer, share ideas, and get on the mailing list for updates and event information. *This is a 503(c) organization; donations are tax decuctable.
Gallery
Workdays, events and befores and afters
Do You Have Dangerous Invasives in Your Yard?
Here is a great site that lists North Carolina's invasive species ranked by threat.
And here is a list that includes photos so that you can identify any invasives on your property.
Sources: NC Native Plant Society and NC State Extension
Our Mission
To restore and preserve the ecological balance and enhance the beauty of our neighborhood by collaboratively identifying, managing, and eradicating invasive plant species. Through community-driven efforts and education, we aim to re-wild native habitats, promote biodiversity, and foster a sustainable environment for future generations.
