Preservation
Coalition
Survey of Flora and Fauna
Harsimus Stem Embankment
Blocks located: Manila Avenue to Marin Blvd
by Nancy Slowik, Naturalist-Director,
Greenbrook Sanctuary, Palisades Interstate Park System
Native Species:
Name
Brooms-edge
Switchgrass
Goldenrod
Aster
Clover
Evening primrose
Stitchwort
Cherry tree
Non-native species:
Name
Mugwort
Japanese Knotweed
Pear (Bradford?)
Ailanthus
Queen Anne's Lace
Species
Andropogon virginicus
Panicum virgatum
Solidago sp.
Aster sp.
Trifolium sp.
Oenothera sp
Stellaria sp
Prunus sp
Species
Artemisia vulgaris
Polygonum cuspidatum Pyrus sp
Ailanthus altissima
Daucus carota
Type
Grass
Grass
Wildflower
Wildflower
Wildflower
Wildflower
Wildflower
Tree
Category
Very invasive alien
Very invasive alien
Often planted in parks
Very invasive alien
naturalized alien, not invasive
This old field-meadow has a nice mix of native grasses and herbs that are beneficial to wildlife. Howeve,r the alien species need to be removed in the near future or at least controlled, since they will take over this habitat if left unmanaged. While visiting the site we observed several birds and insects utilizing the field (see list below).
Birds:
Mockingbird
Black-capped Chickadee
Eastern Phoebe
Rock Dove
European Starling
Insects:
Anglewing Butterfly
Dragonfly
Preying Mantis egg mass
As open space diminishes, preservation of these areas becomes a high priority, particularly in densely populated counties such as Hudson. The location along the waterway makes this site even more valuable as a stopover for migratory bird and insect life. Open meadow-old fields have become rare in this area as farmland and vacant lots give way to development. This open space offers a unique opportunity to create and maintain an old field-meadow habitat enhanced with a buffer planting of native shrubs and trees along the perimeter, that can provide fruits and seed for migratory birds as well as nectaring plants for migrating butterflies.