Nature Net News
June 2008
Invasive Species Awareness
"They know, they just know where to
grow,
how to dupe you, and how to camouflage themselves
among the
perfectly respectable plants,
they just know, and therefore,
I've
concluded weeds must have brains."
Dianne Benson
Dear Reader, They’re silent invaders taking over
our lakes, woods, and prairies. You may have some in your own front
yard. Some were invited, some snuck in. Who are they? Invasive species! Enjoy! Kathe & Betsy |
June is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Wisconsin? There are an estimated 33 non-native land plant species the Department of Natural Resources has deemed a "serious" threat to our Wisconsin habitats and ecosystems. Get the complete list from the DNR website.
What to Do This Month:
Pull some Garlic mustard or Dame's rocket - both of which are in bloom or seed this month - and remember to bag it and throw it away.
Learn something new at an Invasive Species Lecture at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center June 24th.
Check out other non-native invasive education events throughout the state this month.
Stop by the State Capitol building June 5-19 to see award winning 4th and 5th grader Invasive Species posters.
Pick up a Nature Passport and start exploring at your favorite Nature Net site.
Check the Nature Net Calendar of Events for other family programs and events this month.
Tricks of the Trail for Parents:
Watchful Weed Warriors
Helping combat non-native invasive plants is terrific, unless you unknowingly bring the seedy offenders home with you! Make sure to check the undersides of your shoes and boots, and the sides of your pant legs for weed seeds that may sprout in new areas. The effect of transporting unwanted seeds can be minimized by brushing the soles of your shoes or changing shoes before you leave the area. Also, nylon pants or gaiters will minimize those pesky hitchhiking seeds. The DNR offers other ideas for boaters, campers, gardeners and bikers on how to reduce your likelihood of inadvertently spreading invasives.
Instant Outdoor Expert:
Invaders in Our Midst
While it is estimated 18,000 native plants exist in North America, an amazing 4,000 escapees have arrived on our shores from non-native lands. Are all non-native species invasive? No, most (about 85%) maintain small, well-behaved populations - while others have their sights on invading territory. As it turns out, each of the species we battle to control (whether plant, insect, or animal) share traits, making them more successful than the native species they often replace. An invader often grows and reproduces quickly, has the ability to readily disperse and adapt to surrounding conditions, has a high tolerance to differing environmental conditions and food sources, and most importantly, is associated with humans.
All species compete to survive. New arrivals in the water and soil often lack predators, diseases and direct competition to keep them in check. The result: non-natives can out compete the natives, setting the stage for a serious territorial battle. So why do we care if a few new species colonize our lands (and waters)? These invaders wreak havoc on our native landscape by decreasing biodiversity, destroying habitat for other species in the community, monkey-wrenching plant succession, altering the natural light, water and nutrient levels, and disrupting hydrologic patterns, soil chemistry, erosion control and fire regimes. It's estimated $138 billion per year is spent in the U.S. on controlling and correcting damage caused by invasives. (Without taking into account the monetary value of lost species and biodiversity).
The human connection? Whether by intention (like the early American settlers who established "Acclimation Societies" to bring the comforts of their European homes here) or by mistake, people are the main cause of exotic species introduction. In altering the land, we further assist invaders by providing ecosystem disturbances ripe for their attack. And because of our mobility, humans readily contribute to the spread of exotics.
The good news? Many of our native lands and waters have not been disturbed by non-native invaders. Other good news: you can make a difference. By learning about current and potential invaders, educating others, stopping the spread of these species and removing and reporting those you find, you can improve the chances of keeping the natural landscape just that - natural.
Here are a few websites to help you learn what to watch for: The DNR's Alien Invaders for kids, Madison's Most Unwanted Aquatic Hitchhikers, and the Plant Conservation Alliance's "Least Wanted" Fact Sheets. Also, be sure to brush up on how to keep the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle from arriving in Wisconsin.
Eco-Exercise:
Gardening and Giggling
Attacking those invaders can give you a good workout. Pulling garlic mustard and picking dandelions involves stretching and bending, good hand-eye coordination and determination. Start small to give a sense of accomplishment, then expand your horizons! Check out community efforts to combat invasives and consider joining a volunteer troupe to become a "weed warrior".
And while there’s typically nothing funny about invasive species, nothing gets the heart beating faster than a good laugh! Check out these Garlic Mustard jokes, created by kids for kids.
Featured Nature Net Site
Nature Craft
Madison Conservation Parks
Madison Conservation Parks aim to restore native plant and animal communities while providing education areas and opportunities for everyone. There are 14 unique conservation parks in Madison, each differing in how it is managed and why the land was acquired. Since the Conservation Parks Program was established in 1971, the City has acquired and manages over 1600 acres of conservation parkland.
To help with restoration work and aid in removing non-native species from of our Conservation Parks, Nature Net suggests grabbing your gardening gloves and stopping by a volunteer workday at the Edna Taylor Conservation Park which offers a broad ribbon of marsh, 1.3 miles of trails, and a marshland boardwalk (Workdays: June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 9am to noon). Or, catch up with Owen Conservation Park volunteers who meet every second Sunday of the month (April through October, 9am - noon) to pull weeds, collect and distribute native seeds and maintain trails. Get out there and make a difference!
Or, just get out there enjoy the parks!
Park Hours: 4:00 a.m. - dusk
Garlic Mustard Pesto
Garlic Mustard was originally brought to America from Europe as a
medicinal plant and kitchen staple. While you're pulling this invasive,
might as well put
it to good use with this delicious pesto:
4 cloves of garlic
3 tbs. garlic mustard taproots
3/4 cups parsley
1 cup garlic mustard leaves
1 cup basil
1-1/2 cup olives
2 cups walnuts or pine nuts
1/2 cup mellow miso
1-1/4 cups olive oil or as needed
Chop the garlic and garlic mustard roots in a food processor.
Add the parsley, garlic mustard leaves and basil and chop. Add the
olives and nuts and chop coarsely. Add the olive oil and miso and process until you've created a coarse paste.
Makes 4 cups. Serve over warm pasta, on grilled chicken or on bruschetta.
)
Suggested Reading:
"Common Weeds Coloring Book" by Stefen Bernath (age 4-12)
"And Still the Turtle Watched" by Sheila MacGill-Callahan (age 4-8)
"Exotic Invaders: Killer Bees, Fire Ants and Other Alien Species Are
Infesting America" by Jeanne M. Lesinski (age 4-8)
"Science Warriors: The Battle Against Invasive Species" by Sneed B. Collard
III (age 4-8)
"The Great Lakes: A Literary Field Guide (Stories from Where We Live)" by
Sara St. Antoine (age 9-12)"DK Nature Encyclopedia" by DK Publishing (age
9-12)
"Alien Invaders: The Continuing Threat of Exotic Species" by Sneed B.
Collard (age 12 and up)
"Invasive Plants: A Guide to Identification, Impacts, and Control of Common
North American Species" by Sylvan Ramsey Kaufman (age all)
"Weeds" (A Golden Guide) by Alexander C. Martin (age all)
