Daubenspeck Community Nature Park
(DCNP)

Park Information

Native Plant and Animal Species Policy

Protecting native plant and animal species, and the habitats in which they occur, are primary objectives of the Daubenspeck Community Nature Park. The purpose is to participate in and promote the conservation of native biological diversity.

Many non-native species have been introduced in Indiana, intentionally or accidentally, causing harmful effects on agricultural lands, waterways, prairies, wetlands, forests and other ecosystems. Most of these exotic species are invasive and often out-compete their native counterparts. Many are now inextricable from the local landscape.

In accordance with this mission, the Daubenspeck Community Nature Park policy is to:

• Promote the growth of native plants which do not harm natural areas or the diversity of the park.
• Protect and restore the park’s natural areas by eradicating exotic, invasive species.
• Promote and educate park visitors on the harmful effects of invasive species.
• Prohibit the planting or introduction of non-native or diseased native species within the park, including non-native flowers/plants, animals, unwanted pets, etc.

Some exotic, non-native species of concern include but are not limited to:

Plants
Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera mackii)
Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)
Giant Cane (Phragmites australis)
Canada Thistle (Cercis Canadensis)
Garlic Mustard (Allaria petiolata)
Euonymus (Euonymus alatus)
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Purple Loosetrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Eurasian Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum)
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Tree-of-Heaven (Ailathus altissima)
Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Autumn Olive (Eglaeatus umbellata)

Non-plants
Emerald Ash-borer (Agrilus planipennis)
Asian Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Cabbage Butterfly (Pieris rapae)
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)
Gambusia fish (Gambusia affinis)
European Starling (Sternus vulgaris)
Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis)
Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus)
Gypsy Moth (Lymatria dispar)

Certain plants, such as Cattails (Typha species) or Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), are considered native but can still be invasive and have negative effects and therefore will be controlled as much as possible.

This policy is intended to provide consistent guidance to visitors to Daubenspeck Park and the community for any activities that could introduce or cause the spread of invasive species in the park or the surroundings.

Exceptions to this policy can be made on a limited basis for non-native annuals used to temporarily control erosion and for research projects. Such exceptions must be approved by the board before introduction.

The preservation of DCNP as a natural area/habitat is a top priority for the park. The board of directors must review all proposed species additions and removals against this policy and approve/disapprove before actions are taken.