Governor Doyle has proclaimed June 2005 as Invasive Species Awareness Month. Why does the governor care about invasive species? Why should we care? Just what is an invasive species?
The Invasive Plant Association of Wisconsin defines an invasive plant as one that is a non-indigenous species or strain that becomes established in natural plant communities and wild areas and replaces native vegetation.
The governor’s proclamation states that millions of dollars, both public (your taxes!) and private, are spent each year for the control of invasive plant and animal species in Wisconsin’s waters, wildlands, and agricultural lands. It goes on to say that invasive plants and animals threaten Wisconsin’s waters and wildlands by competing with and destroying native plants and animals, threatening the productivity and economic viability of Wisconsin’s agricultural lands and interfering with tourism and recreational users of the land and waterways.
Governor Doyle realizes that the first step toward changes that can help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species is awareness of the problem. There are hundreds of events scheduled throughout June across the state at nature and environmental centers, state parks, state forests and university extension offices that will educate people about the problems associated with invasive species.
But what can you do at home? The first step is to be aware of what you plant. Purple loosestrife is an invasive plant that is choking our waterways and wetlands, yet many people are unknowingly growing it in their gardens. It is illegal to grow or propagate purple loosestrife in Wisconsin. If it is in your garden, you could be fined.
Another invasive plant in many of our yards is buckthorn. Its glossy green leaves and formal shape, either upright or as a small rounded tree, add beauty to many landscapes. But evil lurks in the beauty. Birds eat the seeds which pass through their bodies intact and spread the plants far and wide. Buckthorn can take over entire forests, destroying wildlife habitat, replacing native vegetation, and forming an impenetrable understory which prevents the growth of native tree seedlings.
Garlic mustard is another invasive plant that is taking over our woodlands and choking out spring wildflowers like trillium, bloodroot, Jacob’s ladder and wild geraniums. You probably aren’t intentionally growing garlic mustard in your yard, but I have seen in growing prolifically on city lots in Neenah in shady spots in back corners of yards or behind garages. The seeds are sticky and readily attach themselves to animal fur, clothing, auto tires and shoes.
If you have any of these plants on your property, please get rid of them! If you are not familiar with them, good pictures and eradication methods can be found on the Invasive Plant Association’s website at www.ipaw.org. Information on events for Invasive Species Awareness Month are at http://invasivespecies.wi.gov/awareness/.
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