The Nature Conservancy in Vermont - The Oak Log: Summer 2007 Story 7

Download a copy of the Summer 2007 issue of The Oak Log (PDF, 786KB).

The Oak Log / Summer 2007

What impact can invasive species have on Vermont’s natural heritage?

When introduced to an area outside their native range where they are free from their natural competitors and predators, invasive plants are able to proliferate and persist to the detriment of native species. Invasive plants can cause widespread harm by out-competing native plants, increasing erosion along stream banks, clogging streams and waterways, and providing less nutritious food and insufficient cover for wildlife. Their presence can change the species makeup of precious native habitats and alter the look of our landscape.

What is The Nature Conservancy doing about invasives in Vermont?

The most recent development in a yearly fight against the spread of invasives that takes Conservancy staff and volunteers to the far reaches of our state is a program called Wise on Weeds! (WOW!). Based on the idea that public education is the most important tool to combat invasives, our Wise on Weeds! program is working with gardeners, horticulturists, and homeowners to help prevent the spread of invasive plants that pose a major threat to wildlife and natural areas.

The program’s coordinator, Sara Kuebbing, works with the Champlain Basin Invasive Plant Partnership, a group of land trusts, horticulturists, and public agencies, to help willing Champlain Valley businesses become demonstration sites for the Wise on Weeds! program. A business can become a WOW! demonstration site by committing to keep invasive plant species out of their landscaping. Conservancy staff help these businesses by identifying any invasives that are on their property and suggesting non-invasive alternatives.

The Wise on Weeds! program also provides resources for gardeners and homeowners who want to learn more about the 3R’s of invasive plants: recognize invasive species, remove them from places they have invaded, and replant alternatives in their place.

What can members do?

Most of today’s worst invasive terrestrial plant species arrived as ornamental additions to gardens and landscapes. One of the best ways to keep invasive species out of our natural habitats is to keep invasive plants out of our gardens and use non-invasive alternatives instead.

Members like you can learn to recognize the species that are invaders so you can avoid purchasing them—ask your local nurseries to stock non-invasive alternatives—and help remove them from your gardens and surrounding habitats if they are already there. If you own a business in the Champlain Valley, we encourage you to participate in the Wise on Weeds! program as a demonstration site. And, of course, you can volunteer with our stewardship staff on invasive removal field days or support our efforts with a donation.

For more on the Wise on Weeds! program and to learn about invasive species, visit the Wise on Weeds! program page.

Return to Summer 2007 Contents Page

Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Oak Log Cover Design: The Laughing Bear Associates; Cover Photos © Susan C. Morse (Bobcat and bear).