Our Mission
The Removal of Invasive Plants (RIP) team of Resilient Palisades is a grassroots effort dedicated to confronting the spread of invasive, non-native plant species in our local ecosystems. Through hands-on management, community education, and evidence-based restoration practices, we work to restore native biodiversity, reduce wildfire risk, and protect the health of our watersheds.
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Environmental restoration is vital to rebuilding resilience in our fire-affected landscapes — and this work is only possible through community support.
Help us protect and restore the Palisades — donate today.
Invasive plants disrupt natural ecosystems in several critical ways.
Why Removing Invasive Plants Matter
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Fire Hazard Reduction:
Many invasive species create dense, highly flammable undergrowth that can accelerate the spread of wildfire and increase their intensity. By removing these plants, we help create natural firebreaks and reduce the risk of catastrophic fires in our communities.
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Water Conservation:
Invasive plants often consume significantly more water than native plants i.e. Some aggressive on-natives can deplete groundwater, dry up streams, and reduce water availability for native plants and wildlife.
One acre of Arundo (Giant Reed) can consume 11.75-acre feet, or almost 4 million gallons, of water annually.
Our removal efforts help preserve precious water resources, especially critical areas in drought-prone regions. ​​
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Biodiversity Protection:
When invasive plants take over, they crowd out native species, reducing food and habitat for local wildlife. Restoring native plant communities supports the entire ecosystem, from soil microorganisms to pollinators to larger wildlife.
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Soil Health Improvement:
Many invasive plants alter soil chemistry and structure, making it difficult for native plants to thrive. Removal allows soil to recover its natural properties and supports healthy plant communities. ​​
Our Removal Methods
We employ various techniques depending on the species, site conditions, and extent of invasion: ​
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Hand Pulling - Perfect for smaller infestations or sensitive areas, hand pulling allows for precise removal with minimal disturbance to surrounding native plants. This method works best for annual plants with shallow root systems and is most effective when the entire root system can be removed to prevent regrowth.
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Mechanical Removal - For larger invasions, we utilize appropriate tools and equipment such as weed wrenches, shovels, and in some cases, brush cutters or mowers. These methods are particularly effective for woody plants with deeper root systems. Our team is trained to use these tools safely and efficiently while minimizing soil disturbance.
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Tarping/Solarization - This non-chemical method involves covering invasive plant area with dark tarps or plastic sheets to deprive plants of sunlight and create heat that kills plants and seed banks. This approach is especially useful for dense monocultures of invasive plants and requires minimal physical labor once installed, though it takes several months to be effective.
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Ongoing Monitoring - Removing is just the beginning- we conduct regular follow up visits to ensure invasive plants don’t return. This may involve replanting with native species to establish competition and prevent reinvasion.
Get a Free Land Inspection and Action Plan
-or- Get Involved!
Our team will visit your property to assess and identify the risks associated with invasive plant species. During this assessment, they will recognize the various invasive plants present and provide detailed information about each one. Additionally, they will develop a comprehensive action plan to address these invasive species and offer suggestions for native plants that can serve as suitable replacements.
Our grassroots team welcomes volunteers of all experience levels. We provide training, tools, and the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in our local environment. Whether you can offer a few hours or want to become a regular team member, your contribution helps create healthier, more resilient ecosystems for everyone.
For all additional questions, inquiries, estimates, or more, please fill out the form below.
