Eco Logic - Spring Mill State Park Indiana Division of Natural Resources

Spring Mill State Park Indiana Division of Natural Resources—Division of State Parks and Reservoirs

Bush Honeysuckle Lonicera spp

The Periwinkle on the left side of this photograph has been treated with a systemic herbicide. The right side of the picture shows how dense the infestation of Periwinkle was prior to treatment.

Periwinkle Vinca minor

Garlic Mustard
Alliaria petiolata

Lawrence County, 1319 acres
Spring Mill State Park is a large state park that protects continuous tracts of upland and mesic forest communities in southern Indiana. Inside the park is the 67-acre Donaldson Woods Nature Preserve which is one of the few remnant virgin forests in Indiana and contains immense oak and tulip trees. The park is also the center of the karst area of southern Indiana and there are several impressive caves and numerous sinkholes.

The groundcover, Periwinkle Vinca minor, which is often used in landscapes had invaded several hundred acres of the forested ravines and slopes of Spring Mill State Park. The Periwinkle was reducing the diversity of spring wildflowers and other native vegetation.

Eco Logic began foliar treatments in November to mid March when most of the native vegetation was dormant. This timing strategy helped to avoid damage to native species. A strong resurgence of native vegetation has followed treatment in many areas.

invasive species 2