Heritage Park Ecological Restoration

The Town of Blacksburg and the New River Conservancy are collaborating on a project in Heritage Park to eliminate invasive plants and reintroduce native trees and shrubs to a 2-acre area of Toms Creek, within the park. This project is made possible through funding from the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Work began in March of 2024 with the mechanical removal of invasive species like Autumn Olive, Privet, and Multiflora Rose. These invasive species and others have a very fast growth rate and quickly out-compete native plants and trees. This removal allows for regrowth and restoration of the natural habitat with native plants.

Later this spring following the removal of these invasive plants, a variety of close to 1,000 native trees and shrubs will be planted at a density of 435 plants per acre, improving habitat for wildlife, increasing biodiversity, and supporting the resiliency of the local Toms Creek stream habitat, long-term. Ongoing monitoring and treatment will be conducted to prevent the regrowth of invasive plants until the native plantings are firmly established.

Citizens utilizing Heritage Park can expect to hear noise and see machinery being operated while work is completed, along with signage explaining the project. Once the planting of native species begins, those in the area will see many small saplings and protective tree tubes.

Please see responses to the most frequently asked questions in the FAQ section on the right-hand side of this project page. If you do not see an answer to your question, please submit it using the "Questions" box below.