Gottfried Kibelka, aka The Privet Warrior, enjoys exploring the wilds of Birmingham, learning about Alabama’s amazing plant diversity, and doing his part in protecting the environment.
He gives back to his community by stoutheartedly slaying invasive species and bestowing the forests back to the regeneration of native plants. He has worked hard along with volunteers to rid the area surrounding crusher #2 of the beastly privet thickets, and the place is looking great. Gottfried’s photos illustrate the progress as well as his best methods for eradicating privet. As a reminder, this section of the mountain is designated for conservation and restoration therefore it is not located on the trail map or open to the public.
Gottfried offers this advice for privet removal:
Cut the privet as close to the ground as feasible and spray the stump surface with a 25% glyphosate solution as soon as possible (less than 1 minute). Don’t cut in rain or when temperatures are below 40 degrees to ensure translocation of the herbicide into the root system.
Check out the Facebook page for Volunteer Preserve Rangers Birmingham — a group of enthusiasts that are committed to helping Ruffner Mountain, Turkey Creek, and Moss Rock Preserves. If you would like to volunteer, please email Jamie Nobles, Conservation Director at jamie@ruffnermountain.org
