As part of Arbor Week 2011, the Donald E. Davis Arboretum hosted the “Cowboys and Aliens” wild west-themed clean-up on Saturday, Feb. 26, to rid the Wrights Mill Elementary School outdoor classroom and nature trail of non-native plant species.



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Alabama is the host to dozens of non-native invasive plant species that are overwhelming entire landscapes and taking over what is naturally found in wildlife. Kudzu, Tallowtree and Chinese Privet are just a few of the aliens that could find themselves in “jail” if they were found at the school.

“With them taking responsibility by being out here and making a difference, they’ll have a sense of ownership in this classroom that they don’t have in the building,” said Arboretum Specialist IV, Patrick Thompson.

Wrights Mill Elementary School children have taken part in the clean-up for a few years now and the fruits of their labor are enjoyed year round in their outdoor classroom and nature trail located in the woods around the perimeter of the school.

Fourth grade students, Maggie Tennant and Abby Walden participated in the clean-up representing the Venture Small Group at Wrights Mill. The main goal of the group is to encourage teachers to allow their students to use the outdoor classroom said Tennant. 

They have conducted surveys to see how many teachers use the facility and also have plans to paint the benches belonging to the outdoor classroom.

“Instead of learning about a habitat or plant by looking in a book, we can actually go outside and see it,” said Walden.

The reclaiming of the forest project began at the Arboretum on Auburn’s campus, but after the non-native plants were removed from that land, they decided to move out into the community said Thompson.

Non-native plant species aren’t as land-hungry and selfish as they may seem. Their overpopulation problem exists because of the circle of life phenomenon. Birds, bugs and other critters living in the Alabama habitats eat the plants that are naturally found in their home. This process keeps the plant’s growth at bay.

“The non-native plants don’t support our native wildlife the way that native plants do,” said Thompson. “They’re out-competing the native plant species.”

In addition to the 75 or more students, teachers and parents participating in the clean-up, members of the Alabama Invasive Plant Council were also in attendance.

“It’s very important that the kids realize that invasive species can take over the woods,” said executive director of ALIPC, Nancy Loewenstein. “These kids want to reclaim the woods so they can enjoy the natural beauty it has to offer.”