All invasive plants are not harmful to us, but there are some plants that are growing and reproducing, creating harm in our wildlife. There are about 103 invasive plants in Florida and they are growing by the day. Most people refer to invasive plants as exotic things that don’t belong here. This meaning doesn’t really inform you of the harm it’s causing to our environment. After talking to professionals who know and understand invasive plants completely to find out the full story behind invasive plants and what scientist are doing to fix the problem.
According to the Understanding Invasive Aquatic Weeds booklet, the three ways to control invasive plants and weeds include, mechanically, chemically, and biologically. Biological control seeks to reunite the invasive plant with its natural enemy to keep the plant from getting out of control. In the United States, invasive weeds damage and management costs exceed $30 billion each year. Invasive weeds cover about 100,000 million acres and each day, and the weeds cover an additional 4,500 acres of public lands and water. The damage invasive weeds is causing is spreading rapidly, as scientist do their best to find new ways to control the invasive plants. “We will never solve this problem in the environment, but we can find a solution to control invasive plants,” said invasive plants specialist Dr. Ken Langeland.
In the 1960s Hydrilla came upon scientist, and became problematic in the 70s. Hydrilla is a submersed plant that was brought to Florida in the 1950s from Asia to grow in aquariums. It can grow more than an inch each day and can fill water bodies that are as deep as 15 to 20 feet in only one year. When Hydrilla reaches the water surface, it forms tangled mats of plants. These tangled mats of plants are not allowing light or oxygen into the water, killing native plants, fish and other wildlife.
One of the mechanical machines used to pull up the weeds from Lake Alice, found on the campus of UF, is the steam engine founded in the 1890s. said Dr. Bill Haller “There are three types of invasive plants,” he said. “Floating, emergent, and submersed plants.” “The benefits of mechanical control include one being that you are able to use the water immediately after you spray to control the invasive plants.” “Mechanical control is not coast effective so we don’t use it a lot.”
“Invasive plants grow more rapidly in monsoon climates due to research.” confirms invasive plant specialist, Br. Bill Haller. We should be worried to know that not all invasive species to control the plants are inspected. “Inspectors check less than ten percent of the species,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, Doctor of invasive species. This is nerve-racking news to hear, knowing that invasive aquatic weeds are destroying fish and wildlife habitat, blocking navigation and flood control, and clogging drinking, irrigation and hydroelectric power water pipes. We can’t risk more harmful things into our environment; the inspectors should take more time and actually inspect every species being permitted into our state.
The UF Biological Control brochure informs us that the major advantage of classical biological control over chemical and mechanical methods is its permanence. Once a biological control agent is established in an area, it will remain and provide long-term suppression of the invasive plant. However, biological control will not completely eliminate a plant population from an area. Once the species has eaten and died down the invasive plant the species will die, due to lack of food (because they are host specific – they will not eat other plants).
There are many invasive plants in our world including Water Hyacinth, Alligator weed, Hydrilla, Giant Salvinia, and many more scientist are finding out about. Invasive plants is a growing problem that won’t end until more people become involved to find the solution we need to control all invasive plants. Get involved and support all the hard working scientist who are trying their hardest to give us the results we want and need to give us a beautiful environment we can live in and enjoy.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Blue Team: Taylor Lofton
For over ten years now I have lived in Weston, a newly developed city that was once the Everglades and is now surrounded by it. My backyard is covered in lush tropical plants and is full of exotic animals, ranging from alligators and iguanas to parakeets. Although extremely beautiful, most of the organisms and plants that live around me are invasive species.
Invasive species are not native and can cause harm to the environment and the economy. They are usually introduced to ecosystems by accident, for example the release of an unwanted pet. At first the species are small and don’t do too much damage, but unfortunately they reproduce and end up covering acres and severely affecting the areas environment.
These species must be controlled and hopefully diminished before it gets too out of hand, which unfortunately has already happened in some areas. As cruel as it sounds to kill animals and plants, researchers have found the most eco-friendly ways to do so.
In the case of invasive animals and insects, biologists have limited options. The most common approach is to bring in another species from the invasive species’ natural environment to control them. Another key to protecting our environment, said wildlife biologist Steve Johnson, is to stop bringing in these foreign species. Before purchasing a pet, make sure to do research. If you do end up with an animal that you cannot handle, make sure to turn it in to officials. Do not set it free!
Another major concern in saving native environments is the control of invasive plants. Invasive plants must be maintained. Dr. Mike Netherland, of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, said it is better to routinely manage small areas of plants in a lake, then a yearly herbicide spraying of the whole lake. Because of Florida’s subtropical environment, invasive plants grow much quicker here than in their natural environment. This means that the plants must constantly be managed. There are two ways to do so.
A common way to manage invasive plants in large areas is with herbicides. The problem with herbicides is that they have very specific rules and regulations. “If someone carelessly uses too much, it could severely affect the ecosystem,” said Netherland.
Another way to maintain the invasive plants is with mechanical harvesters. Mechanical harvesters are large machines that glide over the water, cutting around 5ft. deep and 5ft. around of plants as they do so. This method is much more eco-friendly, but unfortunately cannot cover as much area as herbicides do. “The use of the lake highly effects how it is handled,” said Dr. William T. Haller of the University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
All of these methods of maintaining invasive species are eco-friendly if balanced and done in the right manner. The sad thing is that all of this stress and hard work could be avoided if foreign species weren’t brought into our environment. We should work hard to keep out any new invasive species and continue to maintain the ones that currently occupy our ecosystems. With hard work and dedication, soon we should have a balanced and almost completely native environment.
Invasive species are not native and can cause harm to the environment and the economy. They are usually introduced to ecosystems by accident, for example the release of an unwanted pet. At first the species are small and don’t do too much damage, but unfortunately they reproduce and end up covering acres and severely affecting the areas environment.
These species must be controlled and hopefully diminished before it gets too out of hand, which unfortunately has already happened in some areas. As cruel as it sounds to kill animals and plants, researchers have found the most eco-friendly ways to do so.
In the case of invasive animals and insects, biologists have limited options. The most common approach is to bring in another species from the invasive species’ natural environment to control them. Another key to protecting our environment, said wildlife biologist Steve Johnson, is to stop bringing in these foreign species. Before purchasing a pet, make sure to do research. If you do end up with an animal that you cannot handle, make sure to turn it in to officials. Do not set it free!
Another major concern in saving native environments is the control of invasive plants. Invasive plants must be maintained. Dr. Mike Netherland, of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, said it is better to routinely manage small areas of plants in a lake, then a yearly herbicide spraying of the whole lake. Because of Florida’s subtropical environment, invasive plants grow much quicker here than in their natural environment. This means that the plants must constantly be managed. There are two ways to do so.
A common way to manage invasive plants in large areas is with herbicides. The problem with herbicides is that they have very specific rules and regulations. “If someone carelessly uses too much, it could severely affect the ecosystem,” said Netherland.
Another way to maintain the invasive plants is with mechanical harvesters. Mechanical harvesters are large machines that glide over the water, cutting around 5ft. deep and 5ft. around of plants as they do so. This method is much more eco-friendly, but unfortunately cannot cover as much area as herbicides do. “The use of the lake highly effects how it is handled,” said Dr. William T. Haller of the University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.
All of these methods of maintaining invasive species are eco-friendly if balanced and done in the right manner. The sad thing is that all of this stress and hard work could be avoided if foreign species weren’t brought into our environment. We should work hard to keep out any new invasive species and continue to maintain the ones that currently occupy our ecosystems. With hard work and dedication, soon we should have a balanced and almost completely native environment.
Blue Team: Mackenzie Grant
I learned to walk on soft St. Augustine grass. I spoke some of my first words in awe of the bald eagle who lived across the street. I paddled my way across Lake Maitland and finally drove for the first time under the shady Florida palms. I’ve grown up around nature, the kind of nature that makes you stop in your tracks and gaze at its beauty. Since the age of three, I’ve lived in Winter Springs, a small suburb of Orlando. The 13.6 square mile town’s main attraction is Lake Jessup, a lake home to over 10,000 alligators. I’ve taken airboat rides on its murky water, fished off a near-by pier and perused down the St. Johns River searching for critters. Among my travels, I never stopped to wonder where the plants that so decoratively covered the surface came from and what their purpose was. To my surprise, the lakes I’d grown up around had slowly been taken over by invasive plants.
Florida’s subtropical climate and wetlands make it a target for invasive plants and animals to breed and thrive. Plants and animals are deemed “invasive” if they are non-native, self-sustaining and present a negative effect on human quality of life. Other components of the growing arrivals of unwanted species are Florida’s many import landings and the multimillion dollar pet industry. Tampa and Port Canaveral, where imports from around the world come, are perfect places for new plants and animals to transfer to Florida land.
“Once something gets here, it’s very hard to eradicate the animal or plant. We need to do a better job of preventing them from getting here in the first place,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, the assistant professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Florida.
The University of Florida is working hard to stop these invasive plants from spreading and eventually taking over the native plants, including the on-campus lake, Lake Alice. Alice, like so many others, is a breeding ground for invasive plants such as Water Hyacinth, Hydrilla and Water Lettuce.
According to Dr. Bill Haller, the professor and acting director at UF/FAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, the reason so many invasive plants reside in Florida is due to the shallow waters, we’ve all enjoyed as children. Plants need water, nutrients and sunlight to grow. The shallower the water, the more sunlight the plants receive therefore the more likely they are to develop. Another factor contributing to the expansion of invasive plants is that while native plants need 3 percent of light to grow, invasive plants only require 1 percent.
Over time, fellow-nature lovers will begin to disrupt the growth of these invasive plants near the shores of lakes and slowly the invasive plant’s presence will disappear.
“What a lake is used for, will dictate how it’s managed,” said Brett Bultemeier, the Graduate Research Assistant at UF.
Floridians are unaware of this problem and the results of many of our actions. We’ve grown up watching the sun set over our favorite lakes and we’ve explored the canopied woods around our houses but as a state, we’re uniformed on this crucial issue. We can use mechanical methods, or machinery to cut the plants from the lakes’ bottoms, herbicides to kill the plant, or biological control, the use of animals as a tool for killing invasive creatures.
“We’re always going to be fighting an uphill battle, “said Bultemeier.
The waging war with invasive plants is chronic yet important to continue. The places we’ve grown up are crawling with interesting wildlife, but we need to ensure the safety of these native creatures from invasive species, waiting to become a part of our childhood stories.
Florida’s subtropical climate and wetlands make it a target for invasive plants and animals to breed and thrive. Plants and animals are deemed “invasive” if they are non-native, self-sustaining and present a negative effect on human quality of life. Other components of the growing arrivals of unwanted species are Florida’s many import landings and the multimillion dollar pet industry. Tampa and Port Canaveral, where imports from around the world come, are perfect places for new plants and animals to transfer to Florida land.
“Once something gets here, it’s very hard to eradicate the animal or plant. We need to do a better job of preventing them from getting here in the first place,” said Dr. Steve Johnson, the assistant professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Florida.
The University of Florida is working hard to stop these invasive plants from spreading and eventually taking over the native plants, including the on-campus lake, Lake Alice. Alice, like so many others, is a breeding ground for invasive plants such as Water Hyacinth, Hydrilla and Water Lettuce.
According to Dr. Bill Haller, the professor and acting director at UF/FAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, the reason so many invasive plants reside in Florida is due to the shallow waters, we’ve all enjoyed as children. Plants need water, nutrients and sunlight to grow. The shallower the water, the more sunlight the plants receive therefore the more likely they are to develop. Another factor contributing to the expansion of invasive plants is that while native plants need 3 percent of light to grow, invasive plants only require 1 percent.
Over time, fellow-nature lovers will begin to disrupt the growth of these invasive plants near the shores of lakes and slowly the invasive plant’s presence will disappear.
“What a lake is used for, will dictate how it’s managed,” said Brett Bultemeier, the Graduate Research Assistant at UF.
Floridians are unaware of this problem and the results of many of our actions. We’ve grown up watching the sun set over our favorite lakes and we’ve explored the canopied woods around our houses but as a state, we’re uniformed on this crucial issue. We can use mechanical methods, or machinery to cut the plants from the lakes’ bottoms, herbicides to kill the plant, or biological control, the use of animals as a tool for killing invasive creatures.
“We’re always going to be fighting an uphill battle, “said Bultemeier.
The waging war with invasive plants is chronic yet important to continue. The places we’ve grown up are crawling with interesting wildlife, but we need to ensure the safety of these native creatures from invasive species, waiting to become a part of our childhood stories.
Blue Team: Isabella Ruggeri
With 4,000 species of plants occupying Florida, has it ever been made known to the citizens of the Sunshine State that more than 25 percent of species are non-native or exotic plants? This means that more than 1,000 plants are invasive to Florida. The word “invasive” is not to be taken lightly. With every addition of an invasive species to the environment, there is a guaranteed harmful effect that will occur. According to Executive Order 13112, an invasive species is “an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” This can be as simple as letting a pet turtle loose in your backyard, or as complex as collecting a large amount of a type of plant and unleashing it into a foreign environment. The bottom line is that invasive plant species are extremely dangerous to the environment and if no action is taken soon to address this problem and to begin to control the species from spreading uncontrollably, the natural environment will eventually be taken over and sadly, destroyed.
Invasive plants are in Florida and many of these species were imported from other countries. The importers thought the plants would adapt to the new habitat quickly, without knowing the potential consequences of this decision. These plants would be planted or sold and released into the environment to spread and contaminate the land. According to “Teaching Points”, once the plants are accustomed to their new habitat they will begin to spread in a variety of ways. The seeds can be spread by wind, water, and animals that come into contact with the plant, “vegetative propagules” can fall off of the plant and form a new plant in a different place, and the plant can be broken up by a boat propeller and regrow separately.
Around the time that the citizens of Florida began to realize the harmful effects of invasive plant species, it was also realized that the rapid progression of the plants spreading and growth was going to make eliminating them a very difficult procedure. One way to hopefully control the invading species is the administering of herbicides, or chemicals, to infected places. There are 12 registered aquatic herbicides that can be used in the state of Florida. Dr. Michael D. Netherland, Courtesy Associate Professor of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center explained, to be able to use these herbicides, a label is required that must state where the herbicide should be used, how much of the substance should be used, the minimum amount that can be applied to see an effect, and if there are any restrictions for using the herbicides (such as the herbicide cannot be used in a facility where grass carp are located). In order for the herbicide to be effective, reading the label is absolutely necessary. Dr. Netherland also says, “Without reading this label, people can mess up. This irresponsibility can be led to an overspray of the area or not even enough of a spray to be effective.” Another solution to invasive species is biological control, which by Dr. James P. Cuda’s definition, Associate Professor Biological Weed Control of the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department is, “the use of insects, fish, diseases and other agents to combat unwanted exotic weeds.” By knowing for sure that certain insects, fish, and diseases will eliminate problem weeds and plants, this helps fight the growth and spreading of invasive plants.
It is necessary that the citizens know the details and factors of invasive plant species, but without proper education and research nobody really knows exactly what they can do to help. Paying attention to the environment and not putting any foreign plant or animal into any lakes, canals or ponds is a start. By doing this, and by being open to listening to new solutions to control and eradicate the amount of invasive plants, we, the citizens of Florida can make our home a better place to live in.
Invasive plants are in Florida and many of these species were imported from other countries. The importers thought the plants would adapt to the new habitat quickly, without knowing the potential consequences of this decision. These plants would be planted or sold and released into the environment to spread and contaminate the land. According to “Teaching Points”, once the plants are accustomed to their new habitat they will begin to spread in a variety of ways. The seeds can be spread by wind, water, and animals that come into contact with the plant, “vegetative propagules” can fall off of the plant and form a new plant in a different place, and the plant can be broken up by a boat propeller and regrow separately.
Around the time that the citizens of Florida began to realize the harmful effects of invasive plant species, it was also realized that the rapid progression of the plants spreading and growth was going to make eliminating them a very difficult procedure. One way to hopefully control the invading species is the administering of herbicides, or chemicals, to infected places. There are 12 registered aquatic herbicides that can be used in the state of Florida. Dr. Michael D. Netherland, Courtesy Associate Professor of the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center explained, to be able to use these herbicides, a label is required that must state where the herbicide should be used, how much of the substance should be used, the minimum amount that can be applied to see an effect, and if there are any restrictions for using the herbicides (such as the herbicide cannot be used in a facility where grass carp are located). In order for the herbicide to be effective, reading the label is absolutely necessary. Dr. Netherland also says, “Without reading this label, people can mess up. This irresponsibility can be led to an overspray of the area or not even enough of a spray to be effective.” Another solution to invasive species is biological control, which by Dr. James P. Cuda’s definition, Associate Professor Biological Weed Control of the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department is, “the use of insects, fish, diseases and other agents to combat unwanted exotic weeds.” By knowing for sure that certain insects, fish, and diseases will eliminate problem weeds and plants, this helps fight the growth and spreading of invasive plants.
It is necessary that the citizens know the details and factors of invasive plant species, but without proper education and research nobody really knows exactly what they can do to help. Paying attention to the environment and not putting any foreign plant or animal into any lakes, canals or ponds is a start. By doing this, and by being open to listening to new solutions to control and eradicate the amount of invasive plants, we, the citizens of Florida can make our home a better place to live in.
Blue Team: Caycee Gray
Invasive species are plants or animal species that are not native to where they are growing and cause some form of harm to the environment, or surroundings. Invasive species are very difficult to get ride of once use to the environment they are now use to living in. Some of the major reasons invasive species came to Florida are climate, the look of the species, and the fact that people bring the species over and get tired of them so they illegally release the species of invasive plant, or animals.
Most of the time biological control is a successful method. This is the type of control where you bring one animal to control an invasive species of animals. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Steve Johnson, 45, a biological control expert. According to him “Lake Alice is a great educational” stand point. Lake Alice is the lake where we learned about nature. We also took a quick airboat tour around part of the lake. Biological control experts take time to study the species of noninvasive animals to bring over to help control or destroy the invasive species. Noninvasive species help to get ride of the harmful plants and animals, while maintaining the native plants and animals.
Mechanical harvesting is the use of machinery to cut out invasive species out of the water to help stop the spread of the invasive aquatic plants. It is another way to control the problem we currently and always will have with invasive aquatic plants. I talked to Dr. Bill Haller, 56, about the machinery we saw on Lake Alice. Dr. Haller has been in this line of work for 30 years. He informed us that the machine being used on the lake we visited cost $45.000. When the machine becomes full of the invasive species it’s collecting it comes to shore and dumps it on a conveyer. The conveyer cost around $20.000 to $25.000. From the conveyer the invasive plants go into a dump truck, witch costs a lot of money. From there the plants go to a landfill, or an agricultural facility to be disposed or taken care of. People ask the question, “Why can’t we use invasive plants like we do our native plants?” In his reply Dr. Haller informs us that, “You can’t use the invasive plants because unlike native plants they are made up of 90 to 95 percent water.” Mechanical harvesters are not selective. They also pick up fish small alligators, snakes, and other small creatures. While harvesting if you see a manatee you must stop mechanical harvesting, and look to see if the animal is harmed. He also informed us that, “The faster you move with a mechanical harvester you pick up more creatures; however, the deeper you go the more invasive plants you will pick up.” This is why at this time experts are working on a harvester that goes deeper than the ones we have today.
I talked to Dr. Jim Cuda,59, at the lake. According to him, “Water lettuce is a public health threat.” It is such a health risk because it is home to one of the most aggressive mosquitoes . A group scientist from Mexico came over for an invasive species problem they were having that the mosquitoes would help with. Dr. Cuda and the scientist from Mexico collected 2,000 mosquitoes in three days.
Dr. Colette Jacono,49, told us that “manatees love to eat hydrilla.” This fact causes great conflict between people and scientist because the hydrilla is a invasive plant. Hydrilla takes over the water covering the natural resources needed by native plants.This kills native plants in the area, therefore we must kill them to protect the native species. Aroma is another invasive plant. It is found in the Keys, and Clay Canty. It has thorns that when you get pricked by them it hurts and you’ll need to find a doctor to get checked out.
Dr. Mike Netherland,47, talked to us about chemical control. Did you know that there are only 12 registered chemicals allowed to be used on invasive plants in water? If you use one of these chemicals make sure you read the restrictions and don’t use too much or too little. There are limits to the use of water after being sprayed to become potable. Potable means to be used for swimming, drinking, and thing of that sort. Herbicide if used to much can kill more than needed or wanted, however to little wont do very much. The Florida Fish and Wildlife have a budget of $30millionto spend on helping to get ride of the invasive species. The invasive species may start off to seem like a small problem, but can and will quickly turn into a big one!
Most of the time biological control is a successful method. This is the type of control where you bring one animal to control an invasive species of animals. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Steve Johnson, 45, a biological control expert. According to him “Lake Alice is a great educational” stand point. Lake Alice is the lake where we learned about nature. We also took a quick airboat tour around part of the lake. Biological control experts take time to study the species of noninvasive animals to bring over to help control or destroy the invasive species. Noninvasive species help to get ride of the harmful plants and animals, while maintaining the native plants and animals.
Mechanical harvesting is the use of machinery to cut out invasive species out of the water to help stop the spread of the invasive aquatic plants. It is another way to control the problem we currently and always will have with invasive aquatic plants. I talked to Dr. Bill Haller, 56, about the machinery we saw on Lake Alice. Dr. Haller has been in this line of work for 30 years. He informed us that the machine being used on the lake we visited cost $45.000. When the machine becomes full of the invasive species it’s collecting it comes to shore and dumps it on a conveyer. The conveyer cost around $20.000 to $25.000. From the conveyer the invasive plants go into a dump truck, witch costs a lot of money. From there the plants go to a landfill, or an agricultural facility to be disposed or taken care of. People ask the question, “Why can’t we use invasive plants like we do our native plants?” In his reply Dr. Haller informs us that, “You can’t use the invasive plants because unlike native plants they are made up of 90 to 95 percent water.” Mechanical harvesters are not selective. They also pick up fish small alligators, snakes, and other small creatures. While harvesting if you see a manatee you must stop mechanical harvesting, and look to see if the animal is harmed. He also informed us that, “The faster you move with a mechanical harvester you pick up more creatures; however, the deeper you go the more invasive plants you will pick up.” This is why at this time experts are working on a harvester that goes deeper than the ones we have today.
I talked to Dr. Jim Cuda,59, at the lake. According to him, “Water lettuce is a public health threat.” It is such a health risk because it is home to one of the most aggressive mosquitoes . A group scientist from Mexico came over for an invasive species problem they were having that the mosquitoes would help with. Dr. Cuda and the scientist from Mexico collected 2,000 mosquitoes in three days.
Dr. Colette Jacono,49, told us that “manatees love to eat hydrilla.” This fact causes great conflict between people and scientist because the hydrilla is a invasive plant. Hydrilla takes over the water covering the natural resources needed by native plants.This kills native plants in the area, therefore we must kill them to protect the native species. Aroma is another invasive plant. It is found in the Keys, and Clay Canty. It has thorns that when you get pricked by them it hurts and you’ll need to find a doctor to get checked out.
Dr. Mike Netherland,47, talked to us about chemical control. Did you know that there are only 12 registered chemicals allowed to be used on invasive plants in water? If you use one of these chemicals make sure you read the restrictions and don’t use too much or too little. There are limits to the use of water after being sprayed to become potable. Potable means to be used for swimming, drinking, and thing of that sort. Herbicide if used to much can kill more than needed or wanted, however to little wont do very much. The Florida Fish and Wildlife have a budget of $30millionto spend on helping to get ride of the invasive species. The invasive species may start off to seem like a small problem, but can and will quickly turn into a big one!
Blue Team: Erica Hernandez
Every single night at around 9 p.m. I walk into my back yard with a small ceramic container filled with coffee grinds, tree trimmings, vegetable peels and other natural waste items in hand. I empty the container into a larger black trash can with holes on the bottom, then I turn on my hoes and let some water run into the waste filled trash can, I then proceed to stir the mixture with a large branch : This is how I make organic mulch using my home made composter. This may seem like a trivial act, without much importance in the grand scheme of things, but if every Floridian used composters for their lawns instead of buying fertilizer not only would they save a great deal of money, our lakes and waterways would be significantly less polluted.
“Composting is not talked about enough!” Botanist Collette Jacono said during a 20 minute session at the University of Florida’s annual summer journalism visitation program. “The thing to keep in mind is that everything you pick up off the floor of your plot is something that your land produced, why would you deprive your land of the nutrients it produced?” she continued.
Our environment is constantly being put at risk, from the fertilizers we use, to the exotic pets we so willingly adopt. It’s crucial to take a step back and see the detrimental effects that our everyday actions are having on our lakes, rivers and aquatic areas in general.
Invasive animal and plants are widespread across Florida, and what invasive means is exotic to the area plants or animals that cause undesirable effects such on the areas environmental and economy. There are three routes of proposed solutions to the invasive animal and plant population: Herbicide, mechanical and biological.
Mechanically removing invasive plants is something that is done practically every day at Lake Alice, a lake on the University of Florida campus, and although it seems like a valid option for controlling the plants it has its downfalls.
“Mechanical harvesting is not cost effective, it’s hard to keep up with the fast paced growth of the plants and because the machines aren’t selective so animals do get hurt in the process,” Bill Haller, said.
Biologically removal of invasive plants and animals also does not have 100 percent desirable effects. Biologically removal is taking a non native animal and placing it in an environment where there are invasive plants or animals. There are specific insects for each specific species of plant and you can actually go down to your local DDIS (distance diagnostic information system) with an invasive plant or weed from your lawn and they will test it and match it with an insect which they will provide you with for practically no cost at all. This is a more natural alternative to using pesticides which are detrimental to our water systems.
Having witnessed the effects of invasive plants first hand on Lake Alice, I can say that the invasive plant and animal crisis needs to receive more attention and fast. Though there are various options for managing the invasive species not one seemed totally beneficial to the environment; Herbicides can hurt the animals, machines are non-selective so while they cut out weeds like hydrilla it will still cut out animals in the process and biologically trying to reduce invasive species introduces a whole new native species to the area and that just seems counterproductive, even if the new species isn’t “harmful.”
After learning all about the damage that invasive species can have on our limited aquatic areas, I urge all Floridians take action, start making our own mulch, learn about volunteering opportunities in these infested lake and river areas, don’t let this problem get any worse before you decide to get involved.
“Composting is not talked about enough!” Botanist Collette Jacono said during a 20 minute session at the University of Florida’s annual summer journalism visitation program. “The thing to keep in mind is that everything you pick up off the floor of your plot is something that your land produced, why would you deprive your land of the nutrients it produced?” she continued.
Our environment is constantly being put at risk, from the fertilizers we use, to the exotic pets we so willingly adopt. It’s crucial to take a step back and see the detrimental effects that our everyday actions are having on our lakes, rivers and aquatic areas in general.
Invasive animal and plants are widespread across Florida, and what invasive means is exotic to the area plants or animals that cause undesirable effects such on the areas environmental and economy. There are three routes of proposed solutions to the invasive animal and plant population: Herbicide, mechanical and biological.
Mechanically removing invasive plants is something that is done practically every day at Lake Alice, a lake on the University of Florida campus, and although it seems like a valid option for controlling the plants it has its downfalls.
“Mechanical harvesting is not cost effective, it’s hard to keep up with the fast paced growth of the plants and because the machines aren’t selective so animals do get hurt in the process,” Bill Haller, said.
Biologically removal of invasive plants and animals also does not have 100 percent desirable effects. Biologically removal is taking a non native animal and placing it in an environment where there are invasive plants or animals. There are specific insects for each specific species of plant and you can actually go down to your local DDIS (distance diagnostic information system) with an invasive plant or weed from your lawn and they will test it and match it with an insect which they will provide you with for practically no cost at all. This is a more natural alternative to using pesticides which are detrimental to our water systems.
Having witnessed the effects of invasive plants first hand on Lake Alice, I can say that the invasive plant and animal crisis needs to receive more attention and fast. Though there are various options for managing the invasive species not one seemed totally beneficial to the environment; Herbicides can hurt the animals, machines are non-selective so while they cut out weeds like hydrilla it will still cut out animals in the process and biologically trying to reduce invasive species introduces a whole new native species to the area and that just seems counterproductive, even if the new species isn’t “harmful.”
After learning all about the damage that invasive species can have on our limited aquatic areas, I urge all Floridians take action, start making our own mulch, learn about volunteering opportunities in these infested lake and river areas, don’t let this problem get any worse before you decide to get involved.
Blue Team: Christina Mattis
"We should be humble; we may never fully understand the invasion process, particularly for each of the hundreds of potentially invasive species in each of our many ecosystems. One truth is clear: as time passes, many species will spread to new areas or increase in density if controlling actions are delayed."
-Faith Thompson Campbell
My team of reporters and I recently visited Lake Alice, located in the University of Florida and learned more about this fantasying place. “Lake Alice is not a natural system, it’s more like a water retention pond, it would be considered a great place to grow weeds” Bill Haller, commented again. Going into further depth about Lake Alice, Hydrilla tended to be the key element in everyone’s discussion. Hydrilla is really considered to be the cancer disease for the lakes. Well Dr. Mike Netherland, 42, a US Army engineer for the research and development center, agrees. “That analogy is often used because it destroys the natural habitat and biological balance, spreads very quickly and doesn’t belong in Florida period”. I went around Lake Alice surveying numerous people, and asked: “if you could describe Invasive Species in three words, what would it be?
Devin Donohue, an undergraduate senior student majoring in microbiology, here at the University of Florida, responded: “HARMFUL, UNWANTED, and ACCIDENTAL”
Jeremy Slade, 31 a biological science major student put his own little twist in: “NUISANCE, PROBLEMATIC, UNDESIRABLE”
And while on the other hand, Dr. Ken Langleland, 63 paraphrase his own three words in his own little definition: “DESTRUCTIVE TO WILDLIFE”
Yes, indeed, invasive species are entering our world very quickly like a hawk flying down on its prey. Invasive Species are “non native” plants or animals that adversely affect the habitats and bioregions. They damage and invade in these areas: economically, environmentally, and/or ecologically.
Invasive Species should be a concern and be put on the president’s agenda. Why ? “Because it outcompetes native plants”, said Bill Haller, 56 a professor and acting director for the center of aquatic and invasive exotic plants. Among these invasive species are the invasive plants, which seem to rather be key interest for my story. According to the FLEPPC, Florida Exotic Pest Plant Control, approximately 1.9 million acres of Florida’s remaining natural areas have been invaded by exotic plant species and more than $240 MILLION has been spent in Florida to control invasive, exotic plant species since 1980.
One example is the Malaleuca that’s found in the Melaleuca Quinquenervia, that’s invading the South and Central Florida area rapidly. With Invasive exotic plants invading our world, it can cause:
Loss of habitat and food sources for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Changes to natural ecological processes such as plant community succession.
And with that, all I know is, if we don’t put a stop to it or find a better or somewhat perfect solution, our world is definitely in for a big surprise, remember Planet of the Apes? Well that will have nothing on Planet of Invasive Species.
-Faith Thompson Campbell
My team of reporters and I recently visited Lake Alice, located in the University of Florida and learned more about this fantasying place. “Lake Alice is not a natural system, it’s more like a water retention pond, it would be considered a great place to grow weeds” Bill Haller, commented again. Going into further depth about Lake Alice, Hydrilla tended to be the key element in everyone’s discussion. Hydrilla is really considered to be the cancer disease for the lakes. Well Dr. Mike Netherland, 42, a US Army engineer for the research and development center, agrees. “That analogy is often used because it destroys the natural habitat and biological balance, spreads very quickly and doesn’t belong in Florida period”. I went around Lake Alice surveying numerous people, and asked: “if you could describe Invasive Species in three words, what would it be?
Devin Donohue, an undergraduate senior student majoring in microbiology, here at the University of Florida, responded: “HARMFUL, UNWANTED, and ACCIDENTAL”
Jeremy Slade, 31 a biological science major student put his own little twist in: “NUISANCE, PROBLEMATIC, UNDESIRABLE”
And while on the other hand, Dr. Ken Langleland, 63 paraphrase his own three words in his own little definition: “DESTRUCTIVE TO WILDLIFE”
Yes, indeed, invasive species are entering our world very quickly like a hawk flying down on its prey. Invasive Species are “non native” plants or animals that adversely affect the habitats and bioregions. They damage and invade in these areas: economically, environmentally, and/or ecologically.
Invasive Species should be a concern and be put on the president’s agenda. Why ? “Because it outcompetes native plants”, said Bill Haller, 56 a professor and acting director for the center of aquatic and invasive exotic plants. Among these invasive species are the invasive plants, which seem to rather be key interest for my story. According to the FLEPPC, Florida Exotic Pest Plant Control, approximately 1.9 million acres of Florida’s remaining natural areas have been invaded by exotic plant species and more than $240 MILLION has been spent in Florida to control invasive, exotic plant species since 1980.
One example is the Malaleuca that’s found in the Melaleuca Quinquenervia, that’s invading the South and Central Florida area rapidly. With Invasive exotic plants invading our world, it can cause:
Loss of habitat and food sources for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Changes to natural ecological processes such as plant community succession.
And with that, all I know is, if we don’t put a stop to it or find a better or somewhat perfect solution, our world is definitely in for a big surprise, remember Planet of the Apes? Well that will have nothing on Planet of Invasive Species.
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