Restoring the Health of the Forest

Asian bush honeysuckle is one of the most harmful invasive plants in Indiana. The plants are so damaging to natural areas that the state designated four species of bush honeysuckle as invasive pests and made it illegal to sell, grow for sale, gift, exchange, distribute, transport or introduce these plants in the state of Indiana. Managing the spread of Amur, Tartarian, Morrow’s and Belle’s honeysuckle is a major focus of restoration work that occurs annually at Skiles Test Nature Park. 

In May 2025, the Office of Land Stewardship, which manages the park’s natural areas, contracted with the ecological restoration professionals at Eco Logic to clear the dense thickets of honeysuckle growing in the northwest corner of the park.