Sustainability Commission Commends DHPT for Invasive Species Removal in City’s Parks

Posted: July 10, 2026 in City News

July 9th, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Aaron Detter, Chair of Decorah Sustainability Commission

Email: decorahsustainability@gmail.com

 

Sustainability Commission Commends DHPT for Invasive Species Removal in City’s Parks

 

DECORAH, IOWA – Non-native and invasive plant species often overtake and harm native, beneficial plants throughout our city and region. The Decorah Sustainability Commission wishes to recognize Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT) and its many volunteers for their efforts to remove invasive species from the city’s cherished parks and natural areas. Since the Fall of 2021, DHPT volunteers have put in over 500 hours clearing invasive plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle from more than 11 acres of the city’s parklands.

 

Adopted by the City Council in 2025, the Decorah Sustainability Plan includes a land-use goal of preserving natural areas within the city to deepen the connection between nature and people, preserve biodiversity, and promote outdoor activities for all ages and abilities. Supporting that goal, one of the plan’s action items calls on the City to prioritize management and decision-making for habitat restoration, invasive species control, and trail development to improve and protect the biodiversity of Decorah’s parks.

 

“DHPT’s efforts align perfectly with the vision for land use outlined in Decorah’s Sustainability Plan,” said Sustainability Commission chair Aaron Detter. “We want to recognize their work and its role in advancing the City’s goals of strengthening community access to greenspace, supporting biodiversity and mental well-being, and protecting and restoring natural areas and their ecological functions.”

 

DHPT president Nick Pearch said that the organization’s goal was to give back to Decorah’s parks beyond just trail use. The “Buckthorn Blitz” days, as they became known, also proved to be a great way to keep volunteers engaged over the winter. “Cutting and hauling buckthorn and honeysuckle is a great way to get outdoors and stay warm through the snowy months,” Pearch said.

 

A significant part of DHPT’s removal work involves the identification of invasive plants, requiring skill and knowledge on the part of volunteers. Pearch said that members of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation have provided resources and training to DHPT volunteers on how to identify and select targeted plants for removal.

 

After the first year, DHPT volunteers and trail users found that clearing the forest of invasive plants creates a more open feel and improves the user experience. “Once all the invasive brush is gone,” Pearch said, “trail users are able to see features in the landscape such as springs, rock outcroppings, and rare native trees.” He highlighted clearing efforts around the spring along Rocky Road Trail and at “Triple Springs,” an area at the east end of Palisades Park where visitors and trail users can now see historic CCC stonework, three flowing springs, and rare Kentucky coffeetrees.

 

Pearch said that DHPT continues to be committed to their Buckthorn Blitz days during the winter months, typically held November through February on one Saturday afternoon per month. Interested individuals can follow DHPT on social media to learn about volunteer workdays, trail etiquette, and upcoming events. The Decorah Sustainability Plan is available on the City’s website, decorahia.org.

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