UMN NNIS Cover-It-Up with Native Grasses!

UMN Buckthorn Cover‑It‑Up Program Joins The Stewardship Network’s Webinar Series

The University of Minnesota’s Buckthorn Cover‑It‑Up program has been added to The Stewardship Network’s upcoming webinar lineup, giving land managers, conservationists, and interested public a new venue to learn about invasive buckthorn control and native‑cover restoration.

Why the Program Matters

Buckthorn (Rhamnus spp.) is one of the most aggressive invasive shrubs in the Upper Midwest, out‑competing native trees and shrubs, altering soil chemistry, and reducing wildlife habitat. The UMN Buckthorn Cover‑It‑Up program, launched in 2022, combines:

Early‑Detection MappingGIS‑based surveys that pinpoint new infestations before they spread.

Mechanical & Chemical Control

Trained crews use low‑impact methods (hand‑pulling, targeted herbicide application) to eradicate mature stands.

Native‑Cover PlantingAfter removal, site‑specific mixes of native grasses, forbs, and woody species are installed to accelerate ecological recovery.

Community EngagementWorkshops, citizen‑science apps, and volunteer removal events empower landowners and students.

These integrated actions have already shown measurable results: in the first two years, the program reduced buckthorn canopy cover by ≈ 38 % across 1,200 ha of participating lands and increased native plant richness by 22 % on restored sites.