Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Volunteers and county staff urged to help combat invasive plants at Richey Woods preserve
Summary
A resident urged the council to step up resources to remove invasive plants from Richey Woods, a 127‑acre site that includes a 40‑acre state‑designated nature preserve; parks staff noted an existing contract and volunteer opportunities.
A resident told Fishers City Council on Jan. 13 that invasive plants are threatening Richey Woods — a 127‑acre park east of the airport that includes roughly 40 acres designated as a state nature preserve — and asked the city to increase management resources.
Amy Perry, a Fishers resident, described Richey Woods’ habitat mix (swamp, small prairies and woods) and said invasive species are outpacing current removal efforts, reducing biodiversity and diminishing the park’s attractiveness for bird watchers and visitors. Perry invited council and residents to an informational event on Feb. 8 and asked for greater city support.
Parks context and response: A parks official told council the city currently contracts twice yearly with a consultant (Stantec) for invasive control at Richey Woods (the contract was described in the meeting as roughly $20,000 twice per year). Staff also encouraged volunteer participation through organized workdays; the parks representative said additional resources could be discussed during the budget process.
Why it matters: Council members were asked to consider additional funding or volunteer coordination to address an accelerating invasive plant problem. Staff recommended continued volunteer engagement and said they would review budget options during the upcoming budget cycle.
Next steps: Staff invited volunteers to organized workdays and indicated the parks department will continue coordinating with the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District on outreach and invasive‑species removal.
