Sierra Club

Fox Valley Sierra Group

Bubolz Buckthorn Project

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Picture of buckthorn At our June 2000 meeting we learned from David Bayer, the Seasonal Horticultural Assistant with the UW Extension in Outagamie County, about invasive alien species of plants in our geographic area. One such plant, the buckthorn, is taking over many forests, including those in Bubolz Nature Preserve.

Buckthorns are tall shrubs or small trees reaching 20-25 feet in height and 10 inches in diameter. The first few individual buckthorns established in a natural area are usually from seeds transported by birds. Once these individuals begin to produce seed, the buckthorns can rapidly form dense thickets. Once established, buckthorns have the potential to spread very aggressively in large numbers because they thrive in habitats ranging from full sun to shaded understory. They cast a dense shade as they mature into tall shrubs. This shading has a particularly destructive effect on herbaceous and low shrub communities, and may prevent the establishments of tree seedling.

The buckthorn is an exotic, imported from Europe as an ornamental plant. Like many transplanted species, the species becomes stronger in its new environment, and dominates native species.

Because Bubolz Nature Preserve is a beautiful place, and because of our relationship with Bubolz, we have decided to help Bubolz fight this menace. Mike Brandel (Executive Director of Bubolz Nature Preserve) and David Bayer will be working with us on this effort.

Fall is a good time to try killing the buckthorn. The mosquitoes are gone, many plants are dormant, and the buckthorn is still green and easy to identify. We will be cutting trunks and painting herbicide. The herbicide is absorbed into the roots and the plant dies. The herbicide must be applied soon after the cutting to be effective, and would get washed away if it is raining.

There is a lot of work to be done at Bubolz Nature Preserve. We selected five work dates in 2000 and decided to continue working in future years. We will schedule several work dates each fall and need to have a good turnout of volunteer helpers. Please come when you can.

This is a service project. We need helpers.

The scheduled work dates for 2007 are:
  • October 13 (Saturday)
  • October 28 (Sunday)
  • November 10 (Saturday)
  • December 2 (Sunday)
    • Work is cancelled if it is raining.

    We will be working from 9:00am until 3:00pm, with a lunch break.

    Training will be provided each morning. Please come and help!

    You need to wear appropriate clothing for outside work. We will be cutting small trees and applying a chemical treatment to the cut stumps. Small trees can simply be pulled. We will work in pairs; one to cut the trees and the other to paint the chemical. Rubberized gloves are strongly recommended for those painting the chemical herbicide. Cutters and pullers would be more comfortable in leather or other thick gloves. If you have spare saws or clippers that we can borrow, that would be wonderful.

    Bring a bag lunch and water bottle.
    If there are any questions/concerns, please call Sharon Duerkop.

    Contact: Sharon Duerkop (920-734-1419)


    Here are a few useful articles about the buckthorn:
    DNR article on buckthorns.
    DNR article on invasive plants.
    Minnesota DNR Article.
    Backyard Buckthorn.
    Univ. of Minn Buckthorn Control Article.


    For information on Bubolz Nature Preserve:
    The Bubolz Nature Preserve website
    Click for a Yahoo! map to Bubolz



    Bubolz Nature Preserve is a large 700+ acre nature preserve located in the northwest corner of Appleton, about 3/4 mile north of highway 41 on Lynndale Drive. Our Sierra Club group holds our monthly meetings in the museum of the nature preserve, and assists the nature preserve with their annual Romp In The Swamp fundraiser.

    The nature center has eight miles of trails, and is open in the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Recent studies have shown that Bubolz hosts an excellent variety of species. Buckthorn and other invasive species threaten this diversity.

    The mission of the Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve is to provide educational and recreational opportunities to encourage persons of all ages to develop and practice a sound environmental ethic, which reflects an understanding and appreciation of nature.

    Walk, jog, hike, or ski the eight miles of scenic trails weaving through diverse habitats: meadow, cedar swamp, forest, prairie, and pond. Visit the earth sheltered nature center to see exciting, educational exhibits and browse in the bookstore.

    Take advantage of adult, family, and children's workshops and programs, guided tours, and special events throughout the year.



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