Invasive species removed from banks of Kansas River in Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A grassroots conservation group is nearing the end of a two-year effort to clear invasive plants from the banks of the Kansas River at a Topeka park.

27 News spoke with Dawn Buehler, executive director of the Friends of the Kaw (FOK), conservation organization. She says the FOK, along with other partners, are close to completing a project to clear invasive plant species from the Governor's Mansion/Cedar Crest park.

The volunteer force from the FOK focused on the removal of invasive plants like bush honeysuckle and wintercreeper from the banks of the Kansas River which flows just north of the park's trail systems. The group then replaced the invasive plants with more native varieties, many of which have deeper root systems to help deter erosion.

"Native plants are designed for our native ecosystem," Buehler said. "Those native plants have deep roots that hold the banks together. They will also filter out pollutants."

Buehler says the efforts benefit the water quality in the river, which also helps out the City of Topeka. Just downstream from the work site lies the water intake for the city's Water Treatment Plant which supplies drinking water to thousands of local residents.

"Both bush honeysuckle and wintercreeper are a problem for the area," Buehler said. "These invasive species take over. Native plants are better for wildlife and food sources, they have just so many benefits."

Bush honeysuckle and wintercreeper tend to push out native plants, soaking up valuable sunlight and becoming the dominant plants in the area. Both pose big problems for Kansas' ecosystem.

"Its just so invasive, its everywhere," Buehler said when talking about bush honeysuckle.

This spring will be the last season for the FOK's riverbank restoration project to remove the invasive plants. The final day will come around in June.

Buehler says the FOK wasn't alone in its efforts to clear the invasive plants. They received funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and collaborated with the City of Topeka, Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, K-State Extension, Shawnee County and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

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