09/16/2026
Here's another report from the summer interns:
"Controlling invasive plant species is an ongoing and unceasing undertaking at the Refuge. The seasonal staff spends a significant portion of their time in efforts to control or manage certain plant species. Plants of consideration are referenced by different terms and levels of priority - introduced/non-native: these are plants that are not native to our ecosystem that came here intentionally or not, from another ecosystem, and are sometimes invasive; noxious: is a legal or regulatory label for plants deemed toxic or harmful to humans, animals, agriculture, wildlife, etc.; and invasive (which can also be introduced and/or noxious): non-native plants that spread aggressively, out compete native plants, and cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.
Invasive plants are top priority and Sericea lespedeza aka Chinese bushclover (Lespedeza cuneata) is our primary focus right now. It was first planted in the U.S. in the 1896 at North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station. It has been used for erosion control, mine reclamation projects (KY, and VA); as a forage crop for livestock; and in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings - along with native grass seed mixes. It is still in use in some regions of the country - and deemed invasive in others (including Iowa).
Controlling sericea lespedeza can be challenging, especially in a prairie ecosystem. It loves full sun; is tolerant to adverse growing conditions; produces an abundance of seeds which can spread by wind, water, and animal activity; and produces an in-soil seed bank that is viable for up to 20 years. The plant is fire resistant, but grazing and fire can actually stimulate seed germination. Over time it can form large patches that out-compete native plant species. The most effective management approach is a combination of fire, herbicide, and mowing over a period of years. That requires consistent resources of labor, equipment, and funding - not always easily attainable. Another challenge is herbicide application which has weather related limitations like wind, rain, and heat which impedes spraying opportunities. Throughout the summer we spray as much as we can (with as little damage to native plants as possible) to reduce the potential of seed production. We are doing the best we can, with what we have to work with and hoping we can contain it until more resources come available.
One last note: there are native Lespedeza species that are not invasive and do not require any control measures. The most common at the Refuge is Round-headed bush clover (Lespedeza captitata)." Photos: Mac spraying a patch of L. cuneata with foliar herbicide,L. cuneata flower head,the pointed tip of the leaf is a distinguishing characteristic of L. cuneata.
We appreciate all they have accomplished and thank our donors and Friends members who help make funding of these positions possible. Information on how to help this funding continue is on our webpage.
