On May 19, 2008, Governor Mitch Daniels once again proclaimed June as Invasive Species Awareness Month in Indiana. Why? Well, invasive species displaces our native species, disrupt ecosystems, disturb recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking and has cost us millions of dollars in control efforts. Raising awareness of invasive species is an important first step in preventing future introduction and spread of these aggressive, non-native species.

What are Invasive Species?

An invasive specie can be a plant, animal, insect or pathogen that has the ability to thrive and spread aggressively outside its natural range with devastating consequences. This is particularly true to invasive plants as they can spread easily and quite efficiently with the help of wind, water or animals. Their tolerance of various types of soils and weather conditions allows invasive plants to grow and spread rampantly while displacing slower-growing native plants. Regardless of whether the invasive specie is a plant our not, once it invades a new area it will gain an ecological edge on the native species since the animals, insects and diseases that would usually keep them in check are not present in its new environment.

Invasive species are either accidentally or intentionally introduced to Indiana. In some cases, invasive plants arrive by accident -  as seed in agricultural products or from overseas shipments. On the other hand, invasive plants are sometimes intentionally selected for various attributes. For example, autumn olive was planted throughout Indiana as wildlife cover and feed. Though beautiful and effective, it was spread further than where they were originally planted and displaced native plants and animals who fed on those native plants. Unfortunately, plants that are selected for their aesthetic value or hardiness may be hard to get rid of from your property even after their invasive tendencies are revealed. Ultimately, using native plants in landscaping is the best way to go.

Since predators and competitors of species we consider invasive are not present in Indiana, invasive species spread rapidly. Controlling invasive species is difficult, and getting rid of them is often impossible. Although humans play a major role in spreading invasive species, we can also help keep them from spreading. The Nature Conservancy and our partners are just a few organizations that are working to combat the spreading of invasive species.

What Indiana is Doing about Invasive Species

The Nature Conservancy isn't the only organization in Indiana concerned about invasive species. June is Invasive Species Awareness Month in Indiana, an official proclamation which "provides an opportunity for citizens of Indiana to participate in invasive species awareness events around the state and learn more about what they can to do help fight this threat." Legislators have been working with universities, government agencies and conservation organizations to find a way to manage these "alien invaders" in our state.

For more information on what our government is doing, visit the link above. The Nature Conservancy's Invasive Species Initiative page is also a good site to learn more about invasives.

What You Can Do to Help Stop the Spreading of Invasive Species

Invasive species have impacted many natural places we Hoosiers hold dear. Although humans are largely to blame in the - accidental or intentional - introduction of invasive species to a natural area, we can also play a major role to ceasing the spreading of invasive species. The following are just a few tips on what you can do to prevent the spreading of invasive species.

Boaters, anglers and paddlers - before you leave the dock:

• Inspect your boat (or canoe), trailer & equipment. Remove visible aquatic plants, animals and mud.
• Drain water from your boat, motor, bilge, live wells and bait containers.
• Dispose of leftover bait in the trash, not in the water or on land. Never move live fish, including minnows, from one water to another.
• Wash your boat and equipment with high pressure or hot water, OR let it dry for 5 days

Campers:

• Leave firewood at home. Buy it within a 50-mile radius of your campsite.
• Burn all wood during your trip.
• Inspect clothing and equipment for seeds, insects, etc. before leaving your camping area.

Landowners and gardeners:

• Use native plant species whenever possible.
• Dispose of seeds in the trash.
• Be on the lookout for invasive species.
• Respond aggressively to rid your land of new invasive species.
• Leave native trees and plants alone; natural landscapes offer the best defense.

Hikers, bikers and other recreational users:

• Clean your clothes, shoes, bicycles, and other items before leaving any site.  You might have unknowingly come in contact with invasive species. 
  
• When visiting a Conservancy nature preserve, if available, use the boot brush to clean your shoes before leaving the preserve.

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © TNC (Purple loosestrife; stewards treating loosestrife).