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Botanical survey finds high plant diversity in Carbondale parks; consultant urges less mowing and invasive control
Summary
A city‑commissioned inventory led by Chris Benda (the "Illinois Botanizer") documented about 640 plant species across surveyed Carbondale parks and recommended preserving areas around Carbondale Reservoir and the mudline bike path, reducing mowing, and removing invasive vines.
A March–2024 plant inventory of Carbondale parks and green spaces documented a high level of plant diversity and identified specific areas the city should prioritize for conservation and different management approaches, consultant Chris Benda told the City Council on April 22.
Benda, described in the staff summary as the “Illinois Botanizer,” said the survey of 10 city‑owned parks found roughly 640 species overall, with particularly rich biodiversity along the Carbondale Reservoir, Evergreen Park and the Mudline bike path. He reported a county record for a sedge commonly…
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