Part of the New York City Park Experience: Joining the War on Invasives

It’s on the walls of brownstones and train stations and in New York City parks. And it isn’t mold—it’s English Ivy. 

A non-native plant, English Ivy (Hedera helix) outcompetes native flora and fauna for vital resources, degrades habitats and disrupts delicate ecosystems.

Recognizing the threat, the Prospect Park Alliance hosted an invasive species removal event in June to promote ecological stewardship in Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s 530-acre backyard that draws in over 10 million visitors a year. The group’s volunteer event “Park Pitch In: Invasive Species Week” mobilized New Yorkers to be community caretakers. 

 “Our volunteers are crucial to maintaining the health of our park,” said Erinn White, the alliance’s project development coordinator. “Without them, the park would be in a lot worse shape.”