About This Project

Invasive species threaten the composition of deciduous forests in the Northeastern United States. In particular, the invasive shrub Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is known for altering species composition by competing with native vegetation. The lack of native tree regeneration can compromise the future of these forests. A central Pennsylvania forest was selected for restoration, testing removal techniques and native plant additions.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Invasive species are disrupting the balance and health of forests in the Northeastern U.S. Particularly, the invasive shrub "Japanese Barberry" (Berberis thunbergii DC) has impacted these forests by blocking sunlight and preventing seedlings from growing. Furthermore, Barberry creates thickets where ticks carrying Lyme disease thrive, posing a health risk to humans and animals.With climate change likely to fuel its spread, it's crucial to develop and implement effective, climate-smart control methods. Our project aims to provide practical solutions to help both private and public landowners restore their forests and manage this growing problem.

What is the significance of this project?

Human activities have significantly impacted forests in the Northeastern U.S., making them one of North America's most affected regions. A study in the Eastern National Parks found a long-term increase in invasive plants, with grasses and shrubs being the biggest threats. Japanese Barberry is a major concern, as its spread can disrupt forest ecosystems by reducing native species and altering soil and microbial communities. This has raised both public health and environmental concerns, leaving forest managers unsure of how to restore these areas. While our project focuses on Japanese Barberry, our findings provide useful strategies for managing other invasive shrubs in the Northeastern Deciduous forests.

What are the goals of the project?

Through observation and experimentation in the infested areas, this study aims to fill existing knowledge gaps and contribute to developing science-based management strategies, which are critically needed for effective ecosystem restoration and invasive species control. A field and a greenhouse experiment are proposed. The field experiment will evaluate the soil and vegetation changes in a natural environment. In contrast, the greenhouse experiment will focus on the germination of native species and Japanese Barberry seeds under ambient and warmer temperatures. The field experiment aims to evaluate the effectiveness and changes in the natural community before and after the treatments. While the greenhouse experiment will expand on understanding native seed interactions and performance in invaded forests. Overall, we aim to combine field and greenhouse data to better inform forest restoration practices that promote climate-resilient forests.