Press release:
RiverLink works to remove invasives from Malvern Hills Park
ASHEVILLE, NC – Porcelain Berry is an invasive vine that was introduced to the U.S. in the 1870’s as an ornamental. It’s beautiful blue, white, and purple berries made it very desirable for gardens. Unfortunately, the woody vine forms a matted net as it climbs over other plants, depriving them of the sunlight they need to grow.
On Friday, December 4, RiverLink hosted a large scale removal of Porcelain Berry from Malvern Hills Park in West Asheville. RiverLink staff was joined by 13 volunteers from the Trails Academy, MountainTrue, and local high schools. These dedicated workers removed over 35 bags of Porcelain Berry in under 2 hours.
This workday was part of a larger initiative to return the Buttermilk Creek restoration project to a healthy state. By removing the Porcelain Berry, we can stimulate the growth of native plants on the stream bank. RiverLink will be hosting more workdays at Malvern Hills Park in the future to remove Blackberry, Oriental Bittersweet and other invasive plants.
To learn more about RiverLink and their mission visit them at riverlink.org.
Located in Asheville’s River Arts District, RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play.
For more information about how you can get involved, see our Web site riverlink.org, or contact us at information@riverlink.org or by phone at (828) 252-8474.
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