Alabama State Parks launches statewide initiative to combat invasive species
A grant-funded mobile crew was equipped to restore native habitats, improve wildlife areas and expand volunteer conservation work across 21 parks.
Alabama State Parks announced Wednesday that it has launched a new statewide habitat restoration initiative to combat invasive species, restore native landscapes, improve wildlife habitat and engage communities in hands-on conservation efforts across Alabama.
Funded through a $25,000 grant from the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, the Statewide Native Habitat Restoration Crew gives Alabama State Parks a dedicated, mobile conservation team that can be deployed to parks throughout the state. The initiative will support conservation projects, volunteer service opportunities and environmental education programs across Alabama’s 21 state parks.
“Invasive species are one of the greatest challenges facing many of our natural areas,” Tasha Simon, chief of natural resources for Alabama State Parks, said. “When invasive plants become established, they can displace native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat, alter ecosystems and impact the overall health of the landscape. This initiative gives us the tools and resources needed to address those challenges more effectively while engaging volunteers and community partners in meaningful conservation work.”
Alabama State Parks manages more than 48,000 acres of public lands, many of which require ongoing restoration and invasive species management.
The program launched June 4 at Lakepoint State Park, where students from the TRiO Upward Bound Program at Wallace Community College joined Alabama State Parks staff and volunteers to remove invasive Chinese tallowtree, an aggressive non-native species known for spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants. The Lakepoint event combined hands-on restoration with environmental education, allowing participants to learn about invasive species management while helping improve habitat conditions within the park.
“This initiative represents much more than a new piece of equipment,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “It represents a statewide conservation team that can be deployed wherever the need exists across our park system. By restoring native habitat, removing invasive species and engaging volunteers in stewardship projects, we can make a greater impact on the landscapes we manage and the experiences we provide our visitors.”
Grant funding was used to purchase and outfit specialized trailers, tools, safety equipment and restoration supplies that can be deployed wherever restoration needs arise within the park system. The funding will allow Alabama State Parks to support restoration projects and volunteer workdays at parks statewide while expanding opportunities for environmental education and community engagement.
“The Alabama Association of RC&D Councils is proud to support Alabama State Parks through this initiative,” Clara Romine, grants director for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils, said. “By investing in habitat restoration and invasive species management, we are helping protect Alabama’s natural resources while strengthening opportunities for community involvement and environmental stewardship.”
Alabama State Parks said it plans to use the Statewide Native Habitat Restoration Crew at parks across the state throughout the year. Future projects will focus on removing invasive plant species, restoring native plant communities, improving wildlife habitat and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.
Organizations, schools, civic groups and community partners interested in establishing a volunteer service day or participating in habitat restoration projects are encouraged to contact Simon at [email protected].
Information about future restoration projects and volunteer opportunities will be shared through Alabama State Parks social media channels.
