Phragmites Invade a Cornfield

Invasive Phragmites invade a corn field as the soil turns salty from saltwater intrusion.

LEWES, Del-In July, Lewes has been cutting phragmites on public land. Phragmites are an invasive reed grass. The city has been using a brush hog to cut the grass that can grow three feet tall.   If left unchecked this type of grass can dominate a piece of wetland area, prevent other native plants from growing, and deny fish and other wildlife food.

Lewes officials say that the phragmites cannot be controlled just by mowing grass or burning it. On Thursday, Mayor Andrew Williams and the City Council are scheduled to hear an update from Delaware State Forester Kyle Hoyd about options in eliminating the reed grass. 

Depending on the weather, Lewes still has two more days of phragmite cutting scheduled; Friday July 26 and Wednesday July 31.

Locations

Morning Broadcast Journalist

Matt co-anchors CoastTV News Today Monday through Friday from 5-7 a.m. and regularly produces and anchors CoastTV News Midday at 11 a.m. He was previously the sports director at WBOC from 2015-2019.

Recommended for you