CRANFORD — February 26 through March 3 has been declared National Invasive Species Awareness Week” by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Invasive Species are any species that is not native to that ecosystem and whose introduction does, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm.
In Cranford, particularly along the banks of the Rahway River, we are plagued by Japanese Knotweed. One of the 2012 goals of the Cranford Environmental Commission is to conduct an invasive species removal project.
The EC has agreed to sponsor a Cranford Eagle Scout candidate to raise awareness about this pesky plant and educate homeowners in effective removal methods. Ben Curtis of Troop 80 has proposed an education and removal project at Hampton Park which is adjacent to the Rahway River at Eastman and Hampton Streets. Once his project is approved, he will be working with members of the Environmental Commission, The Cranford Recreation & Parks Department as well as interested Community members to remove Japanese Knotweed from the riverbank in the park.
This is the second such project the Cranford EC has has sponsored. Two years ago, Cranford Eagle Scout Kevin Swan of Troop 75 conducted a removal and education project at Hanson Park.
For more information on invasive species please visit http://www.invasive.org/