Russian Olives are an invasive species that inhibits the growth of other tree and shrub species native to Colorado. They can reproduce by seed and root suckers, so we will be cutting the trees and then a city staff member will be applying herbicide to the stumps to inhibit the growth of root suckers.
This combines both invasive species management and ecological restoration as the removal of this species will allow more native plants to thrive.
Purpose
A Russian Olive is a large tree/shrub that uses a lot of water and outcompetes many native riparian native plant species. They have small seeds that contain an above average salt content, this affects the growth of other plant species under the trees where the seeds tend to fall.
Removal of these trees from drainages and lowlands has shown to be an effective way of encouraging more growth of native grasses and forbs. To effectively control seed spreading down streams and water ways, we will be starting at the most upstream portion of the Lower Poudre and work our way downstream.
Role
Volunteers would use hand tools, such as loppers and hand saws, to trim the bottom 3-5ft of each tree and then Sawyers will come behind with a chainsaw to remove the tree. City of Greeley Natural Area and Trails Division will then come by and apply herbicide to the stumps to eliminate any future growth. The Forestry Department will provide a chipper, so volunteers will be swamping for sawyers as well as chipping
***To sign up for this opportunity, please do so through VOC's sign up page here: https://x.gldn.io/e/cdTyW0fitDb
