Rescuing the Cahaba Lily

March 10, 2022

Little GC of Birmingham Works With Cahaba River Society to Remove Invasives

Members of the Little Garden Club of Birmingham (LGC) shouted a collective cheer when they learned how successful their joint project with the Cahaba River Society (CRS) has been in removing invasive taro plants from the Cahaba River in Alabama. The multi-faceted project includes rescuing the aquatic flowering Cahaba lily population that is being choked out by the invasive taro. Alabama is one of only four states where the native Cahaba lily, known for its striking, three-inch-wide white flowers, is found.

Volunteers removed sixty-five trash bags of taro plants last year and noted that the plant has yet to reappear a year later in that area of the Cahaba River, a major source of drinking water for Birmingham residents. A second facet of the project was successfully implemented this winter when LGC members and volunteers planted 100 trees to stabilize and restore the riverbank in a heavily eroded section and to reforest native species in the area. Trees planted included post and white oaks, tupelo, water hickory, sycamore, box elder maple, black walnut, and hornbeam.

Earlier in the year, the two groups harvested sycamore and black willow branches and native river cane to use as live stakes, held in place by biodegradable grass cloth. LGC members collected and disbursed box elder seeds along the riverbank, then followed up with sustained watering to keep the live stakes from drying out.

Volunteers will continue to remove invasive kudzu and Chinese privet. In addition, grants from LGC and The Garden Club of America’s Partners for Plants project were used to hire summer interns to work with CRS on creating a comprehensive guide to educate nearby landowners on best practices to stabilize the riverbank. The interns also have been instrumental in helping with taro removal and the native plant reestablishment. 

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