Invasive Species and You“How we can all do our part to Stop the Spread”

blog by Sadie Smith and Peter Jordan

Lead Wetland Restoration Technicians

When most people think of the term ' 'invasive species' ' they often associate it with species of foreign origin or exotic nature. Many of these species have been imported into the U.S, ultimately becoming a part of their new foreign habitat. Burmese pythons in the Everglades, feral pigs in Texas and European starlings across the country are a few of the most common imports. While these are all great illustrations of invasive species based on the concept of being an imported species, they fail to encompass the full nature. The phrase “imported species” is a bit vague. A better one would perhaps be “species from a different region.” The difference between the two is subtle, but the distinction is actually very important. It means that invasive species can technically be from the same continent, even country, to the place they are invading. To be more specific, if a species is introduced to anywhere in the world it did not originally evolve and adapt to co-exist within, then it is an invasive species. In some cases, as with chicory, these non-native species are able to cohabitate and do not out compete the existing native species. However, more often than not, these invasive flora and fauna are able to take over and displace the native species already existing in the ecosystem. This has countless destructive effects on the environment which ultimately harm us in the long run.

The spread of invasive species is an extensive problem, but not so big that we, as individuals, cannot do our part to help. First and foremost is to be knowledgeable of the invasive species in your area. Most federal and state environmental agencies have online databases with comprehensive lists of invasive plant and animal species by region or sometimes even county. Here is the list from the Nevada Department of Agriculture for Washoe County invasive plants. These are great places to start learning what to look for as you walk or even drive through your neighborhood and parks. Once you have an idea of what to be on the lookout for, learn about how they spread. Many invasive plants spread very quickly on their own once mature. All it takes is one stray seed to get that population started! This is why it is essential to brush off loose seeds or vegetation off of yourself, any animal companions, or travel gear before leaving outdoor locations. Reducing the chance of viable invasive plant material reaching a habitat it would otherwise be restricted from is an essential step in stopping their spread. The same concept applies to aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussels. Making sure to thoroughly rinse off boats and wading gear before and after entering bodies of water is a small but hugely impactful step everyone can take to make a huge difference.

If you are lucky enough to have access to a green space that you can cultivate, skip the ornamental species and try and create a pocket of native habitat. Small refuges of native species like this can go a long way in supporting their success over invasive species in the greater ecosystem. Even a vegetable garden can become a haven for native species that can also benefit your overall vegetable health. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies to pollinate the tomatoes, while ladybugs and spiders need the extra hiding places to stalk the pests that want to eat your cabbages. Furthermore, native plants under your care with the benefits of weeding and access to water during hard times are given an edge against the invasive ones. In some ways, these carefully tended spaces can become strongholds against the invaders.

When doing research into invasive species, the amount of information can be overwhelming. Invasive species seem to be everywhere, and spreading quickly. There is hope though! Across the globe, restoration projects like the one happening at the Rosewood Nature Study Area are taking the fight against invasive species head on. Progress in being made, slowly but surely. We as individuals can do our part. Be conscious of which invasives are growing in your area, take the time to look out for hitchhikers, and do your best to promote native biodiversity and habitat growth where you can. We can all do our part to stop the spread of invasive species.