Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve Portions Closed March 9–13 for Invasive Species Management
The Port of Cleveland and Davey Resource Group (DRG) will be conducting invasive species management work at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve (CLNP) beginning March 9, 2026. To ensure the safety of visitors and the team, portions of the trails—primarily in the northeast and southwest corners of the preserve—will be temporarily closed through March 13.
This work targets Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus), an aggressive invasive vine originally introduced as an ornamental plant. Unlike common hops used for brewing, Japanese hops is largely inedible and lacks the essential oils needed for brewing. It grows rapidly—up to 35 feet in a single season—climbing trees and shrubs, forming mats up to four feet thick, and spreading primarily through seeds that can remain viable for up to three years. Over the years, Japanese hops has taken over more than 25 acres of the preserve, especially after the windthrow event in summer 2024, which created ideal conditions for its spread. Dense mats of the vine have smothered native vegetation, making long-term management essential for restoring the preserve’s ecological health.
DRG, led by manager Corine, will begin mechanical removal using a tracked forestry mower to mulch the dense vine mats and downed trees. This process is expected to take 4–5 days. Once the area is cleared, it will be seeded with native grasses to stabilize soils, promote native growth, and reduce regrowth of non-native species. After the initial removal, DRG will return a minimum of three times during the growing season (late April–early May) to treat regrowth with a broadleaf selective herbicide. Additional mowing may also occur to keep the hops at ground level. These treatments will continue for at least two more years to ensure strong control before reforestation efforts begin.
Visitors are asked to avoid the closed areas for their safety and to allow crews to work efficiently. Signage will be posted onsite to guide visitors and communicate closures. This project is an important step in restoring native vegetation, improving habitat for wildlife, and maintaining the ecological integrity of CLNP. The Port appreciates the public’s understanding as these necessary steps are taken to control invasive species and protect the preserve for future generations. For ongoing updates, including additional closures and restoration progress, please check back on our website and social media channels.