My study of plants along the Fairport area of the canal has shown me there are mainly illegal or prohibited weeds growing on the embankment slopes. The DEC has issued a web page for these species in NY.
NY DEC Invasive Plants
THE FOLLOWING PLANTS ARE LISTED IN THE NYDEC DOCUMENT AND ARE GROWING ON THE FAIRPORT EMBANKMENT.
Purple Loosestrife
Common Reed Grass
Black Locust Tree
Pale & Black Swallow-wort
Oriental Bittersweet
Poison Ivy vine
Garlic Mustard
Amur Honeysuckle
Norwegian Maple Tree
And likely several more I’m not aware of.
I have made mention of these plants in my blog at www.theoxbowblog.wordpress.com
The number one invasive plant on the slopes = Amur Honeysuckle bush.
https://theoxbowblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/03/a-walk-in-the-park/
The crest and upper slopes are infested with Swallow-wort – or Dog Strangling Vine
https://theoxbowblog.wordpress.com/2017/07/05/dog-strangler-meets-its-match/
The vines, Bittersweet etc. are a major contributor to toppling trees in high winds. THE COMBINATION OF VINES IN THE CANOPY AND FRAIL SHALLOW ROOTED COTTONWOODS CAN CAUSE THIS —
