Alabama State Parks is expanding efforts to remove invasive species and restore native habitats through a new statewide conservation initiative that will support projects across Alabama’s 21 state parks.
The effort is supported by a $25,000 grant from the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils and establishes the Statewide Native Habitat Restoration Crew, a mobile team that can travel to parks throughout Alabama to assist with habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and volunteer projects.
While Alabama State Parks has long conducted habitat restoration and invasive species management projects, officials said the new initiative creates a dedicated statewide restoration crew that can be deployed across the park system to support those efforts.
The initiative comes as land managers across the Southeast continue battling invasive plant species that can outcompete native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat and alter natural ecosystems. Alabama State Parks officials said the new crew will allow the department to respond more quickly to restoration needs across the park system.
“Invasive species are one of the greatest challenges facing many of our natural areas,” said Tasha Simon, Chief of Natural Resources for Alabama State Parks. “When invasive plants become established, they can displace native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat, alter ecosystems and impact the overall health of the landscape. This initiative gives us the tools and resources needed to address those challenges more effectively while engaging volunteers and community partners in meaningful conservation work.”
Alabama State Parks manages more than 48,000 acres of public lands, creating an ongoing need for habitat restoration and invasive species management across the system.
The initiative officially launched June 4 at Lakepoint State Park, where students in the TRiO Upward Bound Program at Wallace Community College joined park staff and volunteers to remove invasive Chinese tallowtree. The non-native species is known for spreading rapidly and crowding out native vegetation.
The project also included environmental education activities designed to teach participants about invasive species management while improving habitat conditions within the park.
“This initiative represents much more than a new piece of equipment,” said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. “It represents a statewide conservation team that can be deployed wherever the need exists across our park system. By restoring native habitat, removing invasive species and engaging volunteers in stewardship projects, we can make a greater impact on the landscapes we manage and the experiences we provide our visitors.”
Grant funding was used to purchase specialized trailers, tools, safety equipment and restoration supplies that can be deployed wherever projects are needed. State Parks officials said the equipment will help expand volunteer workdays, conservation projects and environmental education opportunities statewide.
“The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils is proud to support Alabama State Parks through this initiative,” said Clara Romine, grants director for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils. “By investing in habitat restoration and invasive species management, we are helping protect Alabama’s natural resources while strengthening opportunities for community involvement and environmental stewardship.”
State Parks officials said the restoration crew will be deployed throughout the year for projects focused on invasive plant removal, native habitat restoration and wildlife habitat improvement.
Future projects will also provide opportunities for schools, civic organizations and community groups to participate in conservation efforts at parks around the state.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
