The Chewacla Invasive Plant Working Group
is a collection of volunteers seeking to improve and protect the ecological health of our local state park by reducing the incursion of non-native invasive plants.
Why is it so important to control invasive species?
Alabama is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, and it is important to avoid introducing species from other ecosystems which may have an aggressive and virile nature which allows them to overtake the native species. In certain areas in Lee County you can find examples where the local species are decimated by an advancing invasive plant. Once this happens the forest will no longer sustain a diverse group of animal species, and some could be lost from that area permanently. Many invasive plants are not suitable forage for wildlife. See our resource page for some of these examples.
Upcoming ChIPWG Events
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We are focusing our work on invasive plants observed to cause greatest negative impacts to the local ecosystem. Chinese Tallow Tree, Thorny Olive, Wild Taro, and Chinese Privet can all be seen to outcompete and displace native plants that many native wildlife species depend on for food and cover
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some areas of the park are exhibiting developing monocultures of these invaders. We are working toward a healthier park ecosystem that has a balanced and complex range of Alabama native plants.
If you found your way to our website via the “Invasive Plant Removal Underway” signs in Chewacla State Park, you’ll have observed some dead and dying shrubs we’ve recently cut and treated. For a time, this work area may appear unsightly, as we remove unwelcome invaders and as the plant debris gradually returns to the soil. In the coming seasons, we expect to see a lovelier landscape offering a return of plants that belong.
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When: Saturday, 11/15/25
9 am – noon (rain date 11/15/2025)
Where: Chewacla State Park
Follow signs to parking on Wilderness Lane (turn just before the gatehouse)
Entrance fee waived
Who: Anyone with a desire to ‘take out’ some thorny olive and privet and learn more about invasive plant control.
Bring: loppers or a pruning saw if you have them (we will provide these to those who need them), work gloves and water to drink.
Please … NO machetes, hatchets, axes or power tools.
Questions? contact Gary Wagoner at
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We will post future work days here, once they are scheduled.
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We will post events planned by our affiliate partners, such as the Alabama State Parks, The Master Gardeners association, The Urban Foresters, Alabama Water Watch and others.