Pesky Plants: Invasive Species by Chris Kjolhede

New Column Will Identify, Help Combat Invasives

Invasive species are living organisms that are not native to our area and that are harmful to human health or to the health of our environment. Invasive plant species are not new, nor are they going away any time soon. This problem, these problems, may be addressed with some help from area experts in their fields and with our persistent vigilance and care. All of us in upstate New York should be aware of the presence of invasive plant species, the impact that they can have on our environment and how we can limit the spread of these plants.

Nature lovers and gardeners are similar in their dislike for those invasive plants that have come to flourish to the exclusion of other native plants.

“Where are the swaths of cattails, the nesting place for red-winged blackbirds?” Now, those wetland areas are populated by giant reeds.