2023 Identifying Invasive Plants
Volunteers removing invasive Watercress on River Day in 2023.
CRWC volunteers supported efforts to report and remove invasive species from the watershed. Invasive species are non-native species, species not naturally found in an area that were introduced through human activities, that cause harm to humans, the environment, or the economy. Invasive plants can out-compete native species, which in turn reduces resources needed by our native wildlife to survive.
It is important to know that not all non-native species are invasive, and plants must cause harm to be considered invasive. Invasive species can be transported by boats, fishing equipment, and by accidental release. Invasive species can spread to freshwater sources via stormwater too, by seedlings that get caught up in flood events.
CRWC Environmental Scientist, Lydia Nicholas, says “ Invasive species thrive on neglect, so when they’re not being actively managed, they can really disrupt an ecosystem.” Some of the most common invasive species in the Clinton River watershed are glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, garlic mustard, phragmites, and multiflora rose.
This year, representatives from local businesses came out to Shadbush Nature Center and Murphy Park in Pontiac to help remove invasive species, and in June, CRWC volunteers pulled hundreds of pounds of non-native watercress from the banks of Avon Creek in just a few hours.
By participating in the management of invasive species, CRWC volunteers can help restore habitat and green spaces and prevent invasive plants from spreading elsewhere.
Lydia shares that many invasives are still widely available from retail stores, gardening centers, and greenhouses. They encourage residents to take care when planting. “Do your due diligence in researching what you’re planting! If you come across an invasive species in your ventures, report it to the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) on their website, MISIN.msu.edu, or their app MISIN: Report Invasive Species.”
Thank you to each of the volunteers who helped CRWC monitor and remove invasive species this year.
Author(s): Cole Pachucki, Lydia Nicholas, Pronoye Kapali