Holy Trinity School is committed to protecting and improving the health of our forest and natural areas. Over the next two weeks, restoration work will take place within a section of the south school woodlot to remove invasive common buckthorn, a non-native shrub that has become established throughout parts of the forest. This work is part of a long-term forest restoration program.
Why is Buckthorn Being Removed?
Buckthorn is an invasive species that spreads aggressively and forms dense thickets. As it takes over a forest, it prevents native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers from growing and limits the natural regeneration of the woodland. The dense growth also reduces habitat quality for wildlife and threatens the ecological health of the forest. Holy Trinity School's property contains significant woodland and wetland habitats connected to the Rouge River watershed, making the protection and restoration of these natural areas especially important.
By removing buckthorn, we can:
• Create space for native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to grow
• Improve habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife
• Support the long-term health and diversity of the forest
• Protect environmentally significant natural features on the property
• Improve the forest for future educational and recreational opportunities
What Will Staff, Parents and Students See?
Immediately following the removal work, the work area will look very different from what it does today. Because buckthorn currently makes up much of the vegetation in some sections of the woodlot, removing it will leave the area looking open, sparse, and bare. While this change can appear concerning at first, it is an expected and necessary part of the restoration process. Forest restoration is a long-term investment. Removing invasive species is the first step in creating conditions that allow native plants and trees to return and thrive. Patience is essential, as healthy forest ecosystems take time to recover and rebuild.
What Happens Next?
In 2027, restoration efforts will focus on monitoring the site and controlling any new buckthorn seedlings or regrowth that emerge after the initial clearing. This follow-up work is critical because invasive species often return from seeds already present in the soil. Continued management ensures that the gains made during the initial removal are not lost. Following this period of invasive species management through the spring and summer months, the site will be prepared for native tree and shrub planting in the fall. Native plantings will help restore the forest canopy, improve biodiversity, and accelerate the recovery of a healthy, resilient woodland ecosystem. The restoration plan recommends re-establishing native vegetation after the initial invasive species treatments have been completed.
During this period, our Disc Golf Course will be relocated to this area of the forest, interspersed within the new woodland ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
This project represents an important step toward restoring the ecological health of the Holy Trinity School forest. While the site may look bare in the short term, the work being completed today will create the foundation for a healthier, more diverse, and more sustainable woodland for future students and the broader school community to enjoy. We appreciate your understanding and support as we undertake this important forest restoration initiative.