Invasive Plant Removal — The new statewide habitat restoration initiative for Alabama State Parks officially kicked off earlier this month at Lakepoint State Park, as 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. (KATE STONE / Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Alabama State Parks has declared war on invasive plants.

Thanks to a grant from the Alabama Association of Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Councils, the state park system will expand its ability to do the following:

Combat invasive species
Restore native landscapes
Improve wildlife habitat
Engage communities in hands-on conservation efforts across Alabama

Established in the 1960s, there are nine RC&D Councils in Alabama. The non-profit group is dedicated toward improving social, economic and environmental well-being of rural and community areas.

Alabama State Parks and invasive species management

Truck — Grant funding was used to purchase and outfit specialized trailers, tools, safety equipment and restoration supplies for Alabama State Parks’ new statewide habitat restoration initiative. (KATE STONE / Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Alabama State Parks manages more than 48,000 acres of public lands on their 21 state parks, many of which require ongoing restoration and invasive species management.

“Invasive species are one of the greatest challenges facing many of our natural areas.. 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.”
Tasha Simon, Chief of Natural Resources for Alabama State Parks

The initiative with Alabama State Parks will support conservation projects, volunteer service opportunities and environmental education programs across Alabama’s 21 state parks.

2026 is the ‘Year of Invasive Species Awareness’

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Alabama State Parks and the RC&D Councils are not the only state agencies taking on invasive species. Earlier this year, the Alabama Extension declared 2026 Year of Invasive Plant Awareness, Identification and Action.

Some of the worst invasive plants in Alabama include:

Chinese privet
Kudzu
Cogongrass
Tallowtree
Wisteria

“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.”
Clara Romine, grants director for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils

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 Tasha.Simon@dcnr.alabama.gov.

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