Invasive plant species like wintercreeper are a problem across Johnson County — how one city is trying to fight it

wintercreeper

Cooper Creek, located behind one of Roeland Park's city entrances, is being attacked by invasive plant species. But a group of residents and the city are working to get the invasive plant species issue — which is widespread across the county — under control at the park.

Cooper Creek, a small park off Johnson Drive in Roeland Park, used to be a healthy woodland.

Locals say the once-thriving strip of greenery featured mature oak trees and served as a habitat for native animals like squirrels and birds. Now, invasive plants are taking over the park.