Institute for Healthy Air, Water and Soil Research Grant - Invasive Plant Management Study

Institute for Healthy Air, Water and Soil Research Grant - Invasive Plant Management Study

Funder: Institute for Healthy Air, Water and Soil

Program Background: Pioneering research study to investigate non-synthetic treatment methods for invasive plant management in parks.

Focus Areas:

Organic herbicides testing

Alternative invasive plant removal methods

Environmental health and sustainability

Scientific research

Geographic Scope: Louisville, Kentucky (Cherokee Park and Seneca Park)

Award Amount: $100,000

Research Duration: 24 months (two growing seasons)

What Gets Funded:

Investigation of organic herbicides (e.g., geranium-derived herbicide; clove and cinnamon oil combinations)

Testing of grazing mammals (goats) as invasive plant removal method

Use of shade cloth on ground cover to stop photosynthesis

Scientific study and tracking of herbicide effectiveness

Research Partners:

University of Louisville (Dr. Margaret Carreiro)

Olmsted Parks Conservancy

Institute for Healthy Air, Water and Soil

Expected Outcomes:

Investigation results to be submitted for publication in scientific journal

Development of best practices for non-synthetic invasive plant management

Olmsted Parks Conservancy Background:

For 10+ years, has cleared parks of invasive plants to improve ecosystem and promote tree regrowth

Previously used variety of removal techniques including synthetic herbicides

Announced February 4, 2016

Study began by end of April 2016