You’ve Removed That Invasive Plant: Now What?

By Bill Ticineto

Over the past two years the Norfolk Conservation Commission (NCC) ran a series of ads in Norfolk Now highlighting the threat of invasive plants. The ads had attention-grabbing headlines, such as “WANTED For Destroying Forests.” The response was great, and mounds of invasive debris began turning up in the burn pile at the transfer station.

Residents have become more aware of the invasive problem and are working to help protect Norfolk’s forests, and local businesses, such as Frontier and New England Miniature Ball, have removed invasive shrubs from their properties.

Continuing with this community-awareness effort, in 2026 the NCC will shift its campaign focus to the positive rewards of “planting native.”

It is a natural evolution. After removing an invasive shrub, such as burning bush, a void is left. If it isn’t replaced with something beneficial/native, it will be filled with whatever is waiting for a chance to grow—most likely seeds from the burning bush.

The NCC’s Plant Native campaign will offer monthly suggestions and strategies for adding natives to your property that will help restore Norfolk’s ecosystem and look beautiful. Native plants are suited to this climate and require minimal maintenance. They host a variety of wildlife, provide nectar in the spring, seeds in the fall and berries in the winter. The Norfolk Nature Alliance will additionally concentrate on native plants via a series of spring events focusing on pollinator pathways.

The majority of Norfolk’s residential properties are adjacent to native habitats—it’s one reason why so many people enjoy living here. They can look out their windows and see trees, shrubs, wildflowers, seasonal birds and butterflies. At night there are the sounds of frogs, crickets and katydids and the magic of fireflies.

Take a close look around. The area where a property transitions into the forest, where the mowing stops and the garden ends—the woodland edge—is the most vulnerable. Nature, for better or for worse, is in charge. This is the area to plant natives.

Bill Ticineto is a member of the Norfolk Conservation Commission.