Enjoying Fall in Rouge Park

October has been an incredible month to be outside in Rouge Park! I hope you’ve had a chance to visit—or at least wander into the woods somewhere—to soak in the beauty of fall.
Here’s an interesting ecological observation: nearly all the green trees you still see this late in the season are actually invasive species. If you drive along the forest edge, you’ll notice a layer of green beneath the canopy of browns, reds, and yellows. These are often Eurasian species like buckthorn, honeysuckle, and autumn olive, which evolved in regions with shorter growing seasons and colder climates. That adaptation allows them to hold their leaves longer than our native trees, giving them a photosynthetic advantage in early spring and late fall—one reason they outcompete native species.

Another invader that becomes especially visible this time of year is Oriental bittersweet. While the leaves may have fallen, its bright red berries wrapped in golden-yellow seed coats make it look festive, but don’t be fooled—this aggressive vine can strangle and topple mature trees, spreading rapidly as birds eat and disperse its seeds. However, Rouge Park has a native bittersweet tree with very similar flowers, so be sure your bright red invasive find is attached to a vine and not a tree! Fall is a great time to spot and remove certain invasive species!

When temperatures drop, it’s also the perfect time for woody invasive removal. Cool conditions make it safe to apply cut-stump treatments, which prevent invasive shrubs and trees from re-sprouting while minimizing impact on surrounding vegetation. 
​Join us in the park on the dates below to help restore Rouge Park’s forests, learn some plant ecology in action, and enjoy the crisp fall air while you’re at it!

Join us in the park on the dates below to help restore Rouge Park’s forests, learn some plant ecology in action, and enjoy the crisp fall air while you’re at it!
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• Water Protector Bonfire Workday- 4-8pm November 4 @ Sugarbush (Outer Dr between Tireman and  Warren)
• Youth Weekend Workday- 9:30-1pm Nov 8 @North Prairie Trail (Outer Dr between Joy and Tireman)
• Corporate Workday- 9-12pm Nov 12 @the Orchard (Rouge Park Drive, just south of Plymouth)
• Youth Weekend Workday-9:30-1pm   Nov 22 @the Paw Paw Ma’iingun(Spinoza Dr, just South of Tireman)
• ​Corporate Workday- 9-12pm Nov 27 @the Paw Paw Ma’iingun  (Spinoza Dr, just South of Tireman)