National Invasive Species Awareness Week

OK, so I was not on the ball enough to get the word out early in the week on this, but at least I got to it before the week was over. One can expect only so much. This is National Invasive Species Awareness Week.

I admit I haven't been doing my share on documenting invasive plant species for Texas Invasives this past year, but I have gotten rid of many invasive plants in my yard, so I am not a complete loss.

The bottom line here: species that we import frequently are harmful to our native plants and animals and decrease biodiversity. More insects, butterflies and other important species live on native plants than on invasives.

We can each help by learning which species are invasive, planting native species in our yards and eradicating invasives whenever we can.

What's the Big Deal About Invasives?

Mimosa at left is an invasive. In this area usually in yards or along waterways. Very invasive in the wetter climate to the east. This photo was taken along the Chat Trail in Lake Wichita Park.

This summer my husband has been working diligently to remove a number of shrubs and vines around our house. In his mind he has been working to take out some unsightly plants I wanted to get rid of to make way for something that looks nicer. My real motive was to get rid of non-native invasive plant species to make way for native species more hospitable for native birds and butterflies. An added plus is that the area will look nicer.

We plan to plant some new plants now that fall is here. Fall is the perfect time to plant shrubs and we'll be heading to Wichita Valley Nursery as soon as he finishes getting rid of the English ivy. I haven't told him yet that there is at least one tree that has to go as well.

Why the big deal about invasive plants? First of all they can drive out native plants (think kudzu in the east.) Secondly, invasives support far fewer native insects, birds and other wildlife than our native species do. If you get a chance, read Douglas W. Tallamy's Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens. The book is easy to read, has lots of pictures and plenty of ideas for good plants to put into your home landscape to encourage butterflies, pollinators and birds to visit and stay in your yard.

If you want to know more about invasives in Texas, see Texas Invasives.

Texas Invaders

I attended the Texas Invaders training yesterday at River Bend Nature Center, sponsored by the Rolling Plains Texas Master Naturalists. What a great time! We spent most of the day outside, learning more about invasive plant species and how to document them. In addition to many of the local Texas Master Naturalists, we had some of the Master Gardeners and Native Plant Society folks attending as well.

The purpose is to help learn more about the spread or invasive plant species in Texas. If you weren't able to attend the training, you can still become a members of the Rolling Plains Invaders satellite group by taking the online training at http://texasinvasives.org/invaders/become.php and signing up. I know the Rolling Plains Master Naturalists will have some field trips, but this is also something you can do on your own. You can also sign up for a monthly newsletter to learn more about invasives of all types at this website.

Learn About Invasive Species

The Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is hosting a full day training on invasive species on Saturday, September 19, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at River Bend Nature Center.

The intent of the workshop is to train volunteers for the Texas Invaders citizen science program. The class is $10, which covers the cost of materials. Spaces are limited so call River Bend if you are interested in taking part or contact the President of the Rolling Plains TMN, Lila Arnold at larnold5138@aol.com. Participants will learn how to identify common invasive species and how to report them to the Invaders program. Participants should bring a sack lunch. There will be some field work on the grounds at River Bend Nature Center, so dress for the weather. Since it will probably still be hot on this date, you may also want to bring extra drinking water, although River Bend does have water fountains.

Many thanks to River Bend for providing the location for this training.