KINNEY FIELD INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL

By Dan Starcher, Communications Coordinator for Wayne County

WAYNE COUNTY, Oh, September 24, 2026 — Work to remove invasive vegetation along the creek at Kinney Field in Wooster will begin Saturday at 1 p.m. as part of a project to improve the area and restore native wetland vegetation.

The initial phase will focus on removing invasive and poisonous species, including Callery pear, Honeysuckle, Autumn Olive, Multiflora Rose, Cattails, and poison Hemlock. No established, native trees will be removed.

According to a Rotary spokesperson, the removal work is being donated by the Wooster Rotary and partner clubs. The work is expected to take several days to weeks.

The project will take place along the portion of the creek on Wayne County property, beginning at the pump house near the Kinney Building and ending near the bridge close to Highland Avenue.

The removal is intended to address invasive species that have overgrown portions of the creek and can interfere with runoff. The area receives water from springs, and the creek runs year-round, making it a suitable location for wetland restoration.

Later this fall, native plants adapted to wetland conditions will be planted in the area. Planned plantings include Willow, Sycamore, White Oak, Red Maple, Dogwood, Elderberry, and Buttonbush.

The native vegetation is intended to help absorb water and slow runoff during heavy rain events while restoring habitat with species suited to the area.

Residents may notice cut vegetation remaining at the site after the initial removal. According to the Rotary spokesperson, the material may remain on the ground for about a week or longer until conditions are dry enough to bring in a wood chipper and remove the material.

The planting phase will take place later in the fall and is expected to involve a larger group of volunteers.