The goals of plant and animal management is to improve the diversity and to maintain a balance between native plant and animal species.

Much of plant management consists of working to eliminate noxious and hazardous species. In sunny areas, wild parsnip can be a problem. It is a tall plant with yellow flowers. In the flowering stage of growth, the sap can blister the skin, and thus direct contact should be avoided. In shady areas, garlic mustard is invasive and chokes out other plants. It can best be removed during the flowering stage (small, white flowers), prior to seed generation. Since both these plants are biennials, the plants need to be removed over two or more years to have any positive effect. For more informaqtion on plant management, see also Prairie and Woodland Management.

Animal management consists of taking a population census, establishing the population carrying capacity of the area, and then, if necessary, controlling the population. The GTA has had a deer population control program in place for approximately 15 years. We have been monitoring the population of wild turkeys, ducks, and other birds through our student intern program. We are also are encouraging the neutering of feral cats through Safe Haven to control the cat population.