“There are trees in Avondale Park as iconic as its architecture,” declared Mark Thomas of Forestry/Wildlife Integration LLC, as he surveyed Avondale Park’s old-growth forest. Stretching from the southwest corner to the park’s eastern edge, the forest encompasses the Villa and stands tall above the amphitheater and ballfields. It is believed that the original forest was never cut and therefore the towering native trees are direct descendants of the land’s botanic ancestors. They are native not only to this southernmost tip of the Appalachian mountain range but to the specific parcel of land that is Avondale Park.

Upon study, Thomas estimated that 80% of the Park’s plant material is non-native, noting Chinese Privet, Kudzu, Cherry Laurel and Leatherleaf Mahonia among the forest’s chief intruders. This fall, Thomas and his team of professional forestry technicians will identify and specifically target all invasive material. Once dead, they will remove the material from the trails. With expert eyes on the job, the team will bypass the Park’s native trees and plant life, leaving it to recover and thrive. 

FOAP supporters Avondale Turn LLC have made a generous donation covering half the cost of this work. We are now seeking $100 donations toward the matching gift.

Whether an FOAP member or not, if you’d like to contribute to saving and preserving Avondale Park’ ancient forest, follow the link below and earmark “Invasive Remediation” in the comment section for your gift. And thank you!