Southwest High School students in Green Bay received a hands‑on lesson in habitat restoration this week, working side‑by‑side with the Green Bay Conservation Corps. Together they harvested invasive buckthorn shrubs and processed the wood into biochar, a carbon‑rich amendment that can enhance soil fertility and help native plants thrive.
Why buckthorn matters
“Buckthorn is a very invasive shrub; it invades our woodlands and prevents other native species from coming up,” explained Maria Otto, coordinator for the Green Bay Conservation Corps. The plant spreads quickly, outcompeting native trees and understory plants, which can diminish biodiversity and alter forest structure.
From invasive weed to useful resource
Students cut the buckthorn on Wednesday under the guidance of Corps members. The harvested material was then loaded into a specially designed kiln that limits oxygen during the burn‑off process. This low‑oxygen environment creates biochar—a stable, carbon‑rich substance that retains nutrients and can be mixed into soil to improve its structure and water‑holding capacity.
Educational and environmental benefits
The project combined classroom instruction with a live demonstration, giving students “hands‑on experience” in both invasive‑species management and sustainable land‑care techniques. By turning a problem plant into a resource, the program illustrates how communities can convert ecological challenges into practical solutions.
Broader use of biochar in Green Bay
The Green Bay Conservation Corps regularly applies biochar in city parks and other public lands, noting that the material helps restore soil health after years of compaction and erosion. Corps staff said they are always open to volunteers who want to learn more about the process or assist with future projects.
Looking ahead
As invasive species continue to threaten Wisconsin’s natural areas, initiatives like this one provide a model for schools, nonprofits, and government agencies to collaborate on restoration efforts. By engaging youth early, the Conservation Corps hopes to foster a new generation of stewards who value both the environment and the practical benefits of innovative land‑management practices.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
