Fanwood Nature Center Threatened by Non-Native Plant

Fanwood's Borough Council heard a proposal this week that encourages urgent attention to an infestation of Japanese Knotweed at the Fanwood Nature Center.

April Lee of the Environmental Commission classified knotweed as a non-indigenous, invasive plant species that serves no purpose for wildlife and crowds out native plants. It tends to grow on the perimeter of woodland settings and roots run as long as 30 feet and stalks grow as high as 10 feet. Lee estimates about 60 to 75 percent of the Fanwood Nature Center’s eight-plus acres is encroached with Knotweed.

“It’s quite clear that this is a very serious issue that the borough needs to address,” Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr said.

Completely eradicating the knotweed will be an undertaking that would involve years of labor and thousands of dollars. Lee proposed to council the necessity for fundraising through partnerships, involvement from local government agencies and businesses, and a “consistent action plan and a firm commitment from the Fanwood community.”

Lee suggested a yearly treatment cycle that involves cutting the stalks to shorter lengths of one to two inches. When they begin to dry out, herbicide can be applied and absorbed by the plant.

Recent treatment with assistance from the Fish and Wildlife service at Lenape Park in Cranford eliminated 70 percent of the knotweed there over the past five years. Knotweed has also been found along Route 22, Bonnie Burn Road, and Interstate 78 and in a majority of other counties in New Jersey.

“If this is not dealt with, the Fanwood Nature Center will become the Fanwood Knotweed Center," Lee said.