Feral pigs. Kudzu. Black squirrels. Emerald ash borer. Multiflora rose. These are just some of the invasive species that can be found in the U.S.
Feb. 21-27, 2016 marks National Invasive Species Awareness Week, a week used to recognize the many groups that work to manage, control and prevent invasive species across the country.
Invasive species affect native plants, animals and insects. They affect natural resources and properties by choking out and killing off native species. They can also affect farming practices by causing soil erosion, destroying crops and turning stream water muddy.
Observe
The Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia offers 10 ideas for observing NISAW. From researching to donating, participating in any of these activities can spread awareness of invasive species and help to manage and control invasive species.
Additional information
You can learn more about National Invasive Species Awareness Week from the U.S. Department of Agriculture blog. The Ohio Invasive Plants Council is another source for invasive species information.
8 related invasive species posts:
- Invasive or what: Many common species not native to Ohio
- Space invaders are everywhere: What to do about invasive species
- Thousand Cankers disease major threat to black walnut trees
- There’s no match for a native plant patch
- Good intentions gone astray: Imported wildlife
- Good vibrations: Ky. research gives hope in fight against emerald ash borer
- Pigs gone wild have come to Ohio
- Kudzu presents problems, not yet running rampant in the North
