Wintercreeper spreads over the ground as well as on trees and fences. It is one of the invasive plants that will be removed this week during a cleanup of the Bloomington Rail Trail. Herald-Times file photo
This week, 6 acres of invasive plants will be ripped up along the Bloomington Rail Trail between Country Club Drive and Gordon Pike.
Starting today, the trail will be closed to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily in order for Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department employees to do the work.
Plants such as Asian bush honeysuckle and purple wintercreeper that have slowly taken over native woodland plants along the trail will be removed, along with debris that has fallen on the path over the years.
“Our primary focus is safety for all trail users,” city landscaper Joanna Sparks said in a news release. “Removing this dense vegetation will not only allow native species to become established, but will also improve sight lines and visibility on this part of the trail.”
The honeysuckle in particular, Sparks said, becomes very dense, making it hard for runners and bikers to see what is in front of them.
“We want people to feel comfortable on the trail,” she said.
The Bloomington Rail Trail is a 2-mile, gravel surface trail.
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