Woods Keeper at
Grant Park
Grant Park late Summer Update 09.30.26
This summer at Grant Park, we’ve stayed busy around the pond and the slope along Cherokee Avenue targeting porcelain berry, honeysuckle, and other invasive plants.
The pond is looking great so be sure to visit this fall when it really shows off!
The native garden at Constitution Springs continues to fill in and we are looking to improve upon it as we get into fall and winter
The Cherokee slope remains thick with invasive honeysuckle bush for now, but we are working hard to change that. Before too long park visitors will have a much better view from the sidewalk into the Park.
Finally, an exciting development has us working with Zoo Atlanta to provide invasive cuttings to them as a part of their enrichment and browse program for the big animals! Elephants, giraffes, gorillas and more will be chomping on some of our removed materials and that makes us so happy!
If you see us out and about in the park don’t be shy, say hi! We love to discuss the benefits of native plants and all the great work Grant Park is doing with its ecological care program.
Thank you to Grant Park Conservancy and all of its supporters for making this work possible.
April 2026 Native Garden Update: HERE
Previous Updates:
Overview:
In November of 2022 Woods Keeper began work at Grant Park, beginning in the “wetlands” area near Cherokee Avenue. Majestic bald cypress and river birch trees stand tall while native asters and other wetland plants provide for local wildlife. Several planted native button bushes (Cephalanthus occidentalis) dot the area and it’s impossible to miss the stand of gigantic irises. Invasive plants such as honeysuckle, chaff flower, privet, English ivy, and stiltgrass threaten this space and others around the park as they spread rapidly and crowd out native species.
Woods Keeper’s focus is to remove and suppress these harmful non-native invasive plants so that native plants — plants that provide for the local ecosystem — can continue to exist and better yet, thrive. Biodiversity is the goal while beautification and improved visibility are the perks of the process. Check back here for updates or come enjoy another walk in this beautiful, historic park and see for yourself!
**Does native habitat restoration mean every plant that’s non-native will be removed? No. We believe non-native plants can have a place in landscapes as long as they are not invasive. This issue is not black and white and often requires a nuanced discussion involving the specifics of the site.
Winter is a great time for removal as most natives are dormant, making some invasive plants easy to spot as they are often evergreen.
Cypress knees have long stumped scientists about their purpose but they are unique and wonderful, that’s for sure!
