Project Funding and Implementation
The project is being funded by a grant provided by the Springfield Community Preservation Act Committee . This committee , dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of open space , historical resources , and affordable housing , has recognized the importance of invasive plant control in public landscapes . ReGreen Springfield , a local organization focused on urban forestry and environmental stewardship , is responsible for implementing the project . The project is carried out in close collaboration with the Springfield Parks Department and the Springfield Conservation Commission .
Project Timeline The 2023 phase of the project began in early April and is expected to continue through mid-November . During this period , the project team is actively working on the control and management of invasive Japanese knotweed . String trimmers are being used as the primary tool for cutting down the knotweed at regular intervals of ten days , ensuring that no regrowth takes place .
Survey and Mapping In addition to the direct management of invasive Japanese knotweed , the project team will conduct field surveys during July and August . The purpose of these surveys is to identify new locations where invasive plants are encroaching on public property . The collected data from these surveys will be added to the EDDS Maps national database , contributing to a broader understanding of invasive plant distribution and aiding future control efforts .