Battling the Green Invaders: South Alabama Confronts Its Invasive Plant Crisis

From the tangled vines of kudzu to the creeping spread of Chinese privet, invasive plant species are transforming the landscape of South Alabama-often with devastating ecological and economic consequences. These non-native plants, introduced intentionally or accidentally, now threaten native biodiversity, disrupt water systems, and complicate land management across the central Gulf Coast.

One of the most aggressive offenders is cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a federally listed noxious weed that has infested over 75% of Alabama's counties. First introduced at the port of Mobile in the early 1900s, cogongrass spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes, forming dense mats that crowd out native vegetation and increase wildfire risk. Its sharp-edged leaves and poor forage quality make it unsuitable for grazing, and its resistance to fire and mechanical control complicates eradication efforts.

Invasive species like Japanese honeysuckle, tallowtree, and multiflora rose have also become familiar nuisances to farmers, foresters, and homeowners alike. Kudzu, once promoted for erosion control, now blankets entire hillsides, choking out native trees and shrubs. Chinese privet, originally planted as an ornamental hedge, has infiltrated creek bottoms and forest edges, preventing regeneration and crowding out native understory plants. Tallowtree, with its rapid growth and prolific seed dispersal, has overtaken stream banks and wetlands, particularly in southern Alabama counties.

The ecological damage is matched by practical concerns. Invasive plants reduce habitat for native wildlife, complicate fire management, and increase maintenance costs for roadsides, parks, and agricultural lands. For nursery owners, landscapers, and municipal crews, identifying and controlling these species is no longer optional-it's essential.

To address this growing challenge, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) State Lands Division and the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) are hosting a comprehensive training event:

Invasive Exotic Plant Identification, Control, and Prevention Workshop

📅 Date: September 26, 2025

🕗 Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

📍 Location: Weeks Bay Tonsmeire Resource Center, 11525 US Hwy 98, Fairhope, AL 36532

🎓 Audience: Natural Resource Management Professionals, Government Employees, Plant Nursery Owners/Staff, Landscapers, Master Gardeners, and Homeowners

This full-day workshop will equip participants with the tools to identify, understand, and manage the most destructive invasive plants in the region. Topics include plant ecology, mechanical and chemical control methods, and strategies for prevention and early detection. The training is designed to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical application, empowering both professionals and private landowners to take action.

To register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQ8L6_CpYXQ09lZt5rHutf7bRuOvnsmfhwsgtihXsdjGL6ZA/viewform

South Alabama's unique climate and biodiversity make it especially vulnerable to invasive species. Warm temperatures, abundant rainfall, and disturbed landscapes-whether from development, agriculture, or storm damage-create ideal conditions for aggressive plant colonization. Without coordinated management, these species can quickly overwhelm native ecosystems and undermine conservation efforts.

The workshop represents a proactive step toward regional resilience. By educating stakeholders and promoting collaboration, ADCNR and Weeks Bay NERR aim to slow the spread of invasive plants and restore balance to Alabama's natural landscapes.

For those who live, work, or steward land in South Alabama, the message is clear: invasive plants are not just a nuisance-they're a threat. And the time to act is now.