ReNativ Eco Conservation
Honeysuckle HackFest
Clearing the Way for Native Biodiversity
Central Ohio's volunteer movement to remove invasive Amur honeysuckle and restore native habitat.
Why honeysuckle
The shrub that shades out the woods.
Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an invasive shrub from East Asia that has spread through Ohio's woodlots, ravines and yards.
It leafs out early and holds its leaves late, shading out the native understory. Its berries are poor nutrition for birds. Removal is Step Zero of the ReNativ Method.
Three years of HackFest
Every November, the woods get a little lighter.
Year three · November 7, 2026
Deer Haven Park, Delaware, Ohio
The third HackFest was the biggest yet: a crowd of Hackers in HackFest blue, arborist crews, and a working herd of goats clearing honeysuckle at Deer Haven Park.
HackFest from the air
See those blue dots moving through the trees? Every one is a Hacker. From the ground, honeysuckle feels endless. From up here you can watch a few dozen neighbors with loppers and saws open up the woods, one shrub at a time.
On the ground with the Founder
More from 2026
Upcoming removal events
Central Ohio
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Volunteer sign-up
Join the HackFest.
Become an ambassador
Build a team where you live.
An ambassador is a volunteer who builds and leads a local removal team. This hub exists to help ambassadors recruit neighbors, list events and keep crews coming back.
For organizers
List your removal event.
HackFest updates
New dates and results, straight to your inbox.