Stewarding Healthy Ecosystems: Principles for Herbicide Use at Greenacres
At Greenacres Foundation, the management of natural areas is rooted in a commitment to ecological stewardship, biodiversity, and immersive educational experiences in nature. Healthy ecosystems depend on a diversity of native plants, and one of the greatest threats to plant diversity in southwest Ohio is invasive plant species.
Less than a decade ago, many forested areas across Greenacres properties were heavily impacted by invasive plants including Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), privet (Ligustrum spp.), and Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora). These aggressive species outcompete native vegetation, reduce habitat quality for wildlife, and limit the diversity that healthy ecosystems require to thrive.
Since 2018, Greenacres has committed significant resources to invasive plant management across all campuses. Through this ongoing work, invasive plant densities have been greatly reduced while native plant diversity and groundcover have steadily increased. These improvements support healthier forests, more resilient ecosystems, and richer educational opportunities for visitors and students alike.
An Integrated Pest Management Approach
Greenacres manages invasive species using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which is widely recognized as a best practice in land stewardship. IPM combines multiple management techniques rather than relying on a single method.
These tools may include:
-
-
- Mechanical controls: hand pulling, cutting, mowing
- Chemical controls: targeted herbicide application
- Cultural controls: equipment, boot cleaning, prescribed fire, and grazing
-
Herbicides are one tool within this broader management strategy. In many cases, herbicide applications provide the most effective long-term control of invasive perennial and woody plants. Mechanical methods alone, such as cutting or mowing, often only suppress growth temporarily and can stimulate vigorous regrowth. When carefully and selectively applied, herbicides can permanently eliminate targeted invasive plants, allowing native species to recover.
How Herbicides Are Used at Greenacres
Herbicide use at Greenacres is primarily limited to natural areas for invasive plant management. Minimal use may occur in select research areas when necessary. Herbicides are never used in existing pastures or crop production areas.
When new pastures are established, soils and forages are tested for herbicide presence before livestock grazing is permitted.
All herbicides used at Greenacres are applied by trained staff members or licensed contractors using methods designed to minimize risk to visitors, livestock, applicators, and surrounding ecological systems.
Applications in natural areas are targeted rather than broadcast treatments. This means herbicides are applied to individual plants or small groups of plants instead of being sprayed broadly across an area.
Application methods used at Greenacres include:
-
-
- Foliar treatment: applying herbicide directly to plant leaves
- Cut stump treatment: applying herbicide to a freshly cut stump to prevent regrowth
- Basal bark treatment: applying herbicide to the lower bark of woody stems
- Stem injection methods such as “hack and squirt” or girdle-and-spray treatments, which place herbicide directly into the plant’s vascular system
-
These methods allow staff to target invasive plants precisely while minimizing impacts to surrounding native vegetation.
Herbicides Used at Greenacres
Common herbicides used at Greenacres include glyphosate and triclopyr.
Glyphosate is particularly effective in controlling invasive shrubs such as Amur honeysuckle and privet. Triclopyr is commonly used for species including Asian bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) and Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). Both herbicides may also be used in cut stump treatments.
Additional herbicides may occasionally be used for research projects or to manage particularly difficult invasive species when appropriate.
Precautions Taken When Using Herbicides
Greenacres takes extensive precautions to ensure herbicide applications are both safe and effective.
Applications are only conducted under appropriate weather conditions to reduce drift and improve treatment accuracy. Staff carefully consider plant biology, growth stage, and seasonal timing to determine the most effective treatment approach while minimizing the amount of herbicide needed.
Whenever possible, herbicide treatments are paired with mechanical management practices to increase effectiveness and reduce overall chemical use.
Staff also use marking dye during applications to prevent overtreatment and improve visibility and safety. All applications are documented, including:
-
-
- Date and time
- Location
- Weather conditions
- Product information
- Application method
-
When necessary, relevant staff members are notified before applications occur, including any temporary re-entry restrictions for treated areas.
Other Land Management Tools
Herbicides are only one component of Greenacres’ broader land stewardship strategy. Maintaining resilient ecosystems requires a diverse set of management tools and long-term ecological planning.
In addition to chemical controls, Greenacres utilizes:
-
-
- Mechanical management techniques
- Prescribed grazing
- Prescribed fire
- Competitive native plantings
- Habitat restoration practices
-
These approaches work together to improve ecosystem health, increase biodiversity, and create landscapes that can sustain both wildlife and meaningful educational experiences for future generations.
Learn More
For more information about our research projects studying best practices in effective invasive plant controls, explore the downloads below.
