Invasive species are non-native organisms that can cause harm to the environment, the economy, or human, animal, or plant health.

BCEC and the Green Team are working both to raise awareness and stop the spread of invasive species, and to actively remove invasive plants from public land and replace them with native plants.

Habitat restoration efforts have focused on three initial areas. Lime Kiln Alley Park is heavily infested with invasive species but is also one of the city's most popular and accessible parks, making it a high priority. Oliver Street Park and Anne Street Park are home to Japanese knotweed and wisteria — two particularly aggressive species that threaten to spread and, in wisteria's case, kill mature trees. BCEC and the Green Team, along with a host of volunteers, have been working since early 2024 to remove the invasive plants. In some places we have seen native plants fill in after removal of the invasives and in some places, native plants have been added.

This plan was informed by a 2021 survey that identified 18 of the 30 prohibited invasive species listed below growing on public property, along with an additional 17 species generally recognized as moderately to highly invasive in New Jersey.

What you can do

• Join our monthly habitat restoration days — These are generally held the second Sunday of every month, weather permitting. See our events calendar for more information or visit our SignUp Genius to see and sign up for all planned events this year.

• On your own property — Avoid planting species on the prohibited list, remove any you already have, and consider replacing them with native alternatives. The Native Plant Society of New Jersey is a great resource for finding appropriate native plants for your yard.

New Jersey enacted legislation on January 20, 2026, to restrict the propagation, sale, and distribution of prohibited invasive species in the state.
The following species have been prohibited, but this list is subject to change: