Honeysuckle round-up planned at state forest

<p class="p1">The River to River Cooperative Weed Management Area, RTRCWMA, plans to host a honeysuckle round-up and potluck from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at the Trail of Tears State Forest in Union County.</p><p class="p1">The public is invited to join natural resource professionals from across the region to help stop the spread of the invasive bush honeysuckle from a unique forest and a potluck style lunch. </p><p class="p1">Those who plan to attend are asked to bring a dish to share. To RSVP, or for more information, contact Kevin Rohling, who is the RTRCWMA project coordinator, at rtrcwma@gmail.com or 618-998-5920.</p><p class="p1">The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR, notes that the Trail of Tears State Forest lies within the southern section of the Ozark Hills, which is one of the most rugged and biodiverse landscapes in Illinois. </p><p class="p1">A variety of plant communities call the state forest area home, including 620 species of flowering plants, ferns and fern allies. </p><p class="p1">Without restoration efforts, the forests in southwestern Illinois are predicted to lose over 30 percent of the oak and hickory components by 2027, according to the U.S. Forest Service. </p><p class="p1">Organizers of Friday’s event note that this loss will cause further changes in native plant and animal communities, and will be negatively affected by increasing populations of non-native invasive plants such as bush honeysuckle.</p><p class="p1">Friday’s opportunity is supported by partners at the U.S. Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, the Shawnee National Forest, IDNR, the Shawnee Resource Conservation and Development Area Inc., The Nature Conservancy and others.</p>