Simsbury open space volunteers push awareness campaign after burning‑bush removals

Members of the Simsbury Open Space Committee on an unspecified date described increasing problems from invasive burning bush (Euonymus alatus) across town and detailed recent volunteer removal work and next steps for outreach.

Committee members said volunteers, including Boy Scouts and high‑school environmental advocates, removed large stands at Onion Mountain Park in October but noted the shrub remains abundant on private properties and along roadsides. Speakers urged a broader public‑education strategy—signage at town properties, lawn signs, social‑media posts and email blasts—and proposed a symbolic “burning‑bush bonfire” or high‑visibility removal day next spring to raise awareness.

The committee noted a recently passed state law that will prohibit retail sales of burning bush in three years but cautioned that nurseries are already marketing sterile cultivars. Members warned sterile claims can be misleading and said birds can spread berries into natural areas regardless of nursery labeling.

Practical next steps announced during the meeting included a Simsbury Land Trust invasive‑plant removal day at Wagner Woods on the coming Monday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Committee members asked residents who find burning bush on town property to email town staff (Tom) so the plants can be scheduled for removal. The committee also discussed producing web content with native red‑foliage alternatives and creating lawn‑sign campaigns and posters for town facilities.

The committee did not adopt new rules or pass a motion on the topic during the meeting; members agreed to plan outreach and coordinate volunteer removal events in the coming months.