Removal of Chinaberries and Privets

As the number of people occupying south central Texas has increased over the past 250 years, so in turn, the number of non-native plants has increased as well. These plants were often introduced as garden plants, or as a potential food source for cattle. Once planted, many took hold in the warm, often humid, climate of South Texas, and quickly spread.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park has many non-native plant species, but four are predominant; Chinaberry, glossy privet, giant reed and Johnsongrass. The park's aggressive campaign to control Chinaberry and privet has largely eliminated all mature trees. Cut stumps and young trees were sprayed with herbicides, and seedlings will continue to be sprayed or hand-pulled. Some of the cut areas are being re-vegetated with native plant species.

The park is also trying to control herbaceous plants, such as Japanese honeysuckle, Johnsongrass, giant reed, and bamboo. One of the park's two bamboo patches is gone and the elimination of the other is taking place in 2009.A variety of labor sources is used, including park staff, contractors, and seasonal hires.