What are phragmite (pronounced “frag-mighty”)?
Phragmites are perennial warm-season grasses that produce plumes in late summer followed by seedheads. Although they are native to the US, they are aggressively invasive and crowd out other vegetation by displacing native grasses and forming dense monocultures. They impact aquatic life by outcompeting native aquatic plants and creating dense shading, and they are not suitable for nesting, food, and shelter for native animals.
Reproduction: A Damaging Presence
This invasive species reproduces via underground rhizomes (root systems) and above-ground stolons (seedheads). Rhizomes can grow as much as 6ft per year and eventually increase to 60ft in a mature stand; these root systems can descend as far as 6ft into the ground, with each node having the potential to produce a new plant. While seedheads produce thousands of seeds, many do not germinate – unless the ground is tilled, as with traditional lawn maintenance techniques such as mowing.
Dangers to Robinson Park
In order to ensure clean drinking water and prevent flooding, among other important causes, Cheltenham Township is required to meet certain MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) requirements. To achieve this, they are planning to daylight (remove) the concrete around the stream next to where the phragmites currently grow and install a riparian buffer of plants that would absorb pollutants and soak up additional water as it enters the watershed.
What We’re Doing About It
In collaboration with Cheltenham Township Parks & Recreation, The Friends of Robinson Park have been consulting with the Tookany / Tacony-Frankford Watershed (TTF) to develop a comprehensive plan for phragmite elimination in Robinson Park.
Historical photos indicate that the phragmite were likely introduced to the park in 1998 – 1999 during encapsulation of the formerly natural stream, and seeds may have “hitchhiked” on the construction and mowing equipment that was used to install the concrete system currently in place. Further, because the weep holes in the concrete (which were designed to allow groundwater to run off easily) were not effectively maintained, the area became increasingly wet and provided an attractive home for the phragmite to proliferate.
In advance of the proposed naturalization of the stream in Robinson Park, which includes a potential 70-foot riparian buffer of native plantings, it is advisable that the phragmite be controlled to ensure the success of the planting and prevent them from being choked out.
The TTF believes that we can achieve 80-90% eradication with a two-pronged spraying event in the Augusts of 2025 and 2026. With professional involvement, multiple systems will be implemented to protect the Community Garden and preserve their organic objective.
The Friends of Robinson Park are pursuing a fundraising effort to support professional phragmite elimination. Your contributions will be directly utilized to support this critical endeavor.
You can help!
The Friends of Robinson Park need your financial and vocal support to help us eliminate The Mighty Phragmite and ensure the future success of any native plantings in the area.
Financial contributions will directly support this critical endeavor, but there are many ways that neighbors can support our efforts:
- Pull the phragmite when you walk past: Grab them and give them a good yank, but be sure to dispose of them in the trash cans at the entrances to prevent further spread.
- Talk to your friends and neighbors: Raising awareness of the ecological dangers of phragmite will help the Township to realize just how much the neighborhood loves this Park and wants to preserve its beauty for future generations.
- Join The Friends of Robinson Park: There are no dues to join the organization! The more members and volunteers we have, the more resources we are able to allocate to supporting this beautiful 4.4-acre gem in the heart of Historic Wyncote.
- Volunteer: The Friends of Robinson Park are looking for volunteers of all physical capabilities and backgrounds. In addition to doing direct work on the Park, like installing woodland trails and maintaining plantings, we are always seeking passionate people who are able to help us get the word out about what this Park means to the future of Wyncote and Cheltenham on the whole.
- Donate: Any and all donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated. We are a 501(c)3 neighborhood organization.
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