Park Stewardship

Stewardship of our 300 acres of parkland is a vital initiative of the Parks Department. We develop management plans to guide how we protect and enhance the conservation of each park. Volunteers work directly with our Natural Resources team to restore and protect our natural ecosystem by removing invasive and non-native plant species so native plants and habitats will return and grow.  

We invite you to learn more about our efforts to sustain our resources and even ways for you to get involved, whether within our parks in your own backyard!

Invasive Species Management

Invasive species management is a national issue. Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species. For 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species, invasives are the leading cause of their decline.

The harm invasive species cause:

  • Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. Overall, plant diversity can be decreased.
  • The establishment and spread of invasive species can degrade wildlife habitats.
  • Results in poor quality agricultural lands.
  • Degrade water quality.
  • Increase soil erosion.
  • Decrease recreation opportunities.

Our Removal Priorities

The priority species for control are ranked in order of precedence based on the ease of access, most ideal method of control for land managers and volunteers, species of concern, degree of infestation, and property goals as determined in the Invasive Species Management Plan (PDF).

ShrubsTreeForbsGrassesVines
  • Autumn Olive
  • Winged Burning Bush 
  • Asian Bush Honeysuckle
  • Border Privet
  • Multiflora Rose
  • European Cranberrybush

  • Norway maple 
  • Callery pear

  • Garlic Mustard 
  • Lesser Celandine

  • Japanese Stilt Grass
  • Asian Bittersweet
  • Wintercreeper
  • English Ivy


Control Calendar

Williams Park

Species managed at Williams Park include: Multiflora Rose, Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Winged Burning Bush. These species are managed through manual removal, mowing, and herbicide application detailed in the calendar above.

Arbuckle Acres Park

Species managed at Arbuckle Acres Park include: Garlic Mustard, Asian Bush Honeysuckle, Winter Creeper.

These species are managed through manual removal, mowing, and herbicide application detailed in the calendar above.

Guiding Documents

Maintenance Management Plan

The Maintenance Management Plan outlines a path forward for the park system's operations and maintenance. This detailed approach to planned maintenance provides staff with a valuable tool to make sound decisions and inform the Town of day-to-day operational needs as the evolution continues. 

Urban Forestry Management Plan

This Urban Forestry Management Plan serves as a guidance document for the preservation of urban forest resources. The Plan identifies common tree diseases, pests, and invasive threats that can adversely affect the health of this resource. 

A summary of maintenance recommendations such as thinning, crown raising, and sidewalk damage repair is also included. In addition, the plan provides an analysis of opportunities and constraints for expansion of the urban forest within Brownsburg.

Become a Volunteer

Join us in managing over 300 acres of parkland and 15 miles of trails! Engaging with our volunteer program will teach you transferrable life skills and ensure you are making a difference in our community while enhancing the parks for future generations.

Youth Service Projects

Thank you for choosing Brownsburg Parks as a potential organization and location to complete your project. To be considered, please complete the proposal packet (link below). You may drop it off at our office at 402 E Main Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112.

Your project must be based on our current park priorities including:

  • Trail Marking, Mapping, and Identification.
  • Nature Trailblazing (new trails)
  • Picnic Tables (new/rehab)
  • Bat Houses
  • Streambank/Riparian Area Restoration
  • Natural Resources Management (tree planting, invasive species eradication, erosion control, etc.)
  • Blast Off Playground Rehab
  • Park Beautification (landscaping)

If your proposal is accepted, you will meet with the Natural Resources Manager to discuss project expectations, timeline, and fundraising expectations. Keep in mind the quality of materials and workmanship must match the desired outcome of Brownsburg Parks' Strategic Master Plan. A written project proposal must be submitted to Brownsburg Parks before Scout turns 17. View Eagle Scout Project Proposal (PDF).

Resources

Check out fun ways you can support our natural resources while visiting our parks or in your own backyard! 

iNaturalist

How many different species of plants and insects can you find in our parks? Take photos and identify them through the iNaturalist app. This citizen science platform helps us identify a wide variety of flora and fauna and create better resource management plans.

Plant Indiana Natives in Your Garden

Native plants attract pollinators that support our natural ecosystem. View a native planting area plan, designed by a local landscape architect to attract pollinators to your yard.