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Invasive

Species Action

Week - 2015

Constance M. Vadheim, Beth Scott and Dinuk Magammana

CSUDH & Madrona Marsh Preserve

Madrona Marsh Preserve

June 13, 2015

I’d like to start with a story….

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…people moved in, creating neighborhoods

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They brought with them their favorite things…

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http://www.pawsforthought.co.uk/images/africanbullfrog.jpg

…and that’s when the

troubles began

Welcome to the second annual California

Invasive Species Action Week

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What is the Invasive Species Action Week?

The goal of the California Invasive Species Action Week (ISAW) is:

to increase public awareness of invasive species issues and

promote public participation in the fight against California’s invasive species and their impacts on our natural resources.

Sponsored by the California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

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You are part of activities

going on throughout

California – and on-line

Why do we need an Invasive Species

Action Week? Hundreds of invasive plants and

animals have already established in California and are rapidly spreading each year.

These invaders are negatively impacting our waters, our native plants and animals (some of them rare, threatened or endangered) , our agriculture, our health, our economy, and our favorite recreational places.

Estimated damage and control cost of invasive species in the U.S. alone amount to more than $140 billion annually.

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What is an invasive species (invasive exotic)?

A plant or animal that does not naturally occur in your area

Has spread/has the potential to spread – often dramatically

Impacts local ecosystems:

Wild lands/Preserves

Forests

Neighborhoods/Gardens

Farms

Rivers, lakes and the ocean

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Castor Bean – Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve

Why worry about invasive species?

Can affect our health or public safety

Make our foods and other goods cost more

Kill trees and shrubs in our gardens

Have serious effects on places we love – like the Madrona Marsh Preserve

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http://www.alltreatment.com/blog/2013/drinking-water-contaminated-with-drugs/

Let’s hear some animal stories from Beth & Dinuk

Both beneficial and Invasive.

Some of the prettiest plants are also

‘Wicked Weeds’

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The good Pretty flowers

Attracts hummingbirds

Larval food for Gulf Fritillary butterfly

Good for covering a fence

The bad & the ugly Fruits/seed spread by water,

birds, animals

Like most tropical vines, very difficult to get rid of

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Passion Vine – Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve

How do invasive

plants spread?

By birds and animals that eat the fruits and deposit seeds (along w/ a little fertilizer)

By ‘hitchhiking’ on animals fur, hair or birds feet.

By wind – many grasses – can distribute seed for miles

By water

By humans Garden escapees

Human dumping

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Dumping unwanted

plants is a problem

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No open water for water birds

Why do certain plants/animals invade?

Fast growth; rapid reproduction

High dispersal ability

Phenotypic plasticity (the ability to alter growth form to suit current conditions)

Tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions (Ecological competence)

Ability to live off of a wide range of food types (generalist)

Inadequate natural controls

Association with humans © Project SOUND

And once they invade, they’re ugly!

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Humans play a key role

in most invasions

Invasive seeds in straw & hay – or in hair/fur/wool

Weed seeds on shoes, clothes, vehicles, even in wood & green waste

Marine invasive animals on boats [Tiger mussel]

Release of pets/plants into the wild

Choosing garden plants that are known to be invasive

Most invasions are associated with human activity

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Prevention is the most effective strategy

in managing invasive species.

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What can I do to help curb the spread of

invasive species?

1. Celebrate California Invasive Species Action Week – then take action.

2. Volunteer for invasive species removal/ restoration projects.

3. Download the ‘Wicked Weeds’ posters and post them where appropriate – go to ‘Mother Nature’s Backyard Blog’

4. Plant native plants and remove any invasive plants in your garden. There are many good native plant alternatives to common exotic ornamental plants. See http://www.cal-ipc.org/landscaping/dpp/pdf/SoCalPrintable.pdf

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Prevent, notice and report

invasive species

5. Don’t release unwanted animals or plants into the wild. Take animals to a shelter or adoption center; dispose of plants responsibly.

6. Monitor plants and trees for infestation symptoms.

7. Learn to identify invasive species in your area. Report any sightings to your county extension agent or local land manager.

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http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=1833

http://www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk/category/160

Don’t spread pests

8. Regularly clean your boots, gear, tires and any other equipment you use outdoors to remove insects and plant parts that may spread to new places.

9. Use certified “weed-free” hay, feed, seed, mulch, soil and gravel.

10. When camping, buy firewood near your campsite (within 30 miles). Invertebrates and plants can easily hitch a ride on firewood you haul to or from a campsite -- you could inadvertently introduce an invasive to a new area.

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http://standleeforage.com/nutrition/standlee-

difference/certified-noxious-weed-free

http://ohseed1.org/noxious-weed-free-forage-mulch/

http://news.workboots.com/tips-for-cleaning-leather-work-boots/

An ounce of

prevention…saves a

lot of trouble

11. When boating, clean your boat thoroughly before transporting it to a different body of water.

12.Don't "pack a pest" when traveling. Fruits and vegetables, plants, insects and animals can carry pests or become invasive themselves. Clean your bags and boots after each hike, and throw out food before you travel from place to place.

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http://www.sailwhatif.com/updates/update070413.htm

http://happyherbivore.com/2013/07/how-to-get-rid-of-kitchen-fruit-flies/

Prevent invasive pets from entering our

waters

13.Don't release aquarium/pond fish and plants, live bait or other exotic water animals (like turtles, alligators) into the wild. If you plan to own an exotic pet, do your research and plan ahead to make sure you can commit to looking after it.

14.Help educate others about the threats of invasive species

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http://theflirtyguide.blogspot.com/2012/06/why-you-should-

never-release-pet-fish.html

http://adoptapond.info/turtletallyinput.asp

We have seen the enemy……..

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http://margiewarrell.com/personal-responsibility/

Take the Invasive Species Action Challenge and

pass it on to others. Take action – do your part!

Celebrate National Pollinator Week (next week)

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Provide a home for pollinators & other beneficial animals (read our brochure for ideas)