Invasive Species

The Problem with Invasive Species
by Phil Round

Invasive species are usually plants and animals that have been introduced into environments where they had never been before. Wisteria and Japanese Knotweed, in particular, are abundant and troublesome in Brightwood.
The Friends of Brightwood Park have been working hard to remove these species, mostly during Wednesday morning work sessions. If you want to join, please contact the invasive species team to find out more on how you can get actively involved with these efforts.

I'D LIKE TO HELP OUT WITH RESTORING THE PARK

The Invasive Challenge at Brightwood Park

#1 Japanese Knotweed

As you arrive into the carpark and look left towards the lake the mass of greenery (7 to 8 feet tall) is Japanese Knotweed. As the name suggests it originally evolved in Japan and is the first plant to colonize the slopes of volcanoes following an eruption. It grows and spreads very rapidly such that it outcompetes any native plants. Native animals (including deer) don’t eat it and diseases and insects have little to no impact. If you look to the ground under the plants there are virtually no other plants surviving. This result is a classic example of what invasive plants can do – eliminate the competition and destroy the biodiversity. -7/20/220

#2 Wisteria
(Chinese and Japanese origins)

This vine is a favorite for many gardeners but in forests it destroys trees by strangulation, blocking light from the leaves and absorbing the nutrients and water from the roots. The result is that the trees eventually die and fall over or are weakened such that they are more easily blown over by the wind or snow. The wisteria survives and spreads all over the ground from the fallen trees and from the millions of seeds that it produces. The dense ground cover stops native tree seedlings from establishing so the whole area becomes a monoculture of wisteria. It is a poisonous plant which explains why deer don’t eat it. The deer do however continue to eat the native plants so the net effect of wisteria and deer foraging is total destruction of the native forest habitat. 7/20/2020

What can be done about invasive plant species?

Different invasive plants can be controlled or minimized by various techniques. Experts in the field have experimented with various techniques with the objectives of gaining control with minimum damage or contamination to the environment and selective encouragement of native plant species. The overall approach is often described as “Habitat Restoration” but a key element of any approach must include a management strategy to limit the number of deer. . 7/20/2020

Learn More

A Field Guide

Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide is a portable resource for both novice and expert. This practical book is intended for people interested in maintaining or restoring natural areas - from parks and preserves to residential landscapes. Managing invasive plants is crucial if we want our native plants and animals to thrive. Plant Invaders provides information on 92 aquatic and terrestrial invasive species threatening our region, guidance on control methods, discussion of the effects of climate change on invasive plants, explanations and maps of ecoregions and physiographic provinces, and suggestions for native plant alternatives.

field guide index
https://www.invasive.org/midatlantic/fieldguide/index.cfm

PDF

Doug Tallamy Presentation on Invasive Species
now available for streaming

The video is now uploaded to our YouTube channel and can be found here: https://youtu.be/Lnndy3bO3UE

Also:
· Here is the site to find which plants are best for your area ranked by how many moths and butterflies it will host: https://www.nwf.org/NativePlantFinder/
· Here is the link to the Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.com
· Yellow LED light bulbs are available at Home Depot, Amazon and Ace to name a few - just google LED yellow bug light bulbs
· Info on Go Green Galloway: www.gogreengalloway.org
· Info on the Native Plant Society of NJ: http://www.npsnj.org/index.html
· Pat Sutton of Cape May has a great website - you can join her Gardening Gang: http://www.patsuttonwildlifegarden.com/welcome-to-our-new-website

Native Plant Nurseries:
Mays Landing: https://summersweetnativeplants.com/
Atlantic County: http://www.earthfirstnatives.com/
Columbus, NJ: http://www.pinelandsnursery.com/p/home-page.html
Port Murray NJ: https://wellsweep.com
Alpha NJ: https://wildridgeplants.com
Frenchtown, NJ: https://www.toadshade.com
Ottsville PA: https://www.kindearthgrowers.com

Native Plant Landscapers (recommended by viewers in our chat section):
Jared Rosenbaum. jared@wildridgeplants.com
Walters Nursery in PA has a member of staff that specializes in native plant design
thelittleplantcompany@gmail.com
https://weatherwooddesign.com/about-us.php
https://www.coandesign.com/#home

On the Front Lines With America’s Plant Assassin Corps

To take out invasives, the US relies on crews wielding hatchets, chain saws, and herbicide. It’s a messy, fun job—but it may not be enough to stop the spread.

Read in WIRED

Learn about this newly arrived destructive fly that attacks trees and has no natural predators.

How to spot those nasty Spotted Lantern Flies:
Lanternfly egg mass hunt and how to make circle traps to catch adult lanternflies that will typically hatch in July.

More Information: Spotted Lantern Fly

Spotted Lantern Fly

Deer Management At Brightwood
Deer contribute directly and catastrophically to the problem of invasive species. By preferentially eating only the native plants, they give non-native plants a huge survival boost. The deer population has grown extensively in recent years, accelerating the the destruction of the native Brightwood habitat. No restoration project can be contemplated without a plan to remove the deer from the park.

Location

Brightwood Park is on the North end of Prospect Street. Go past Franklin School and look for the entrance on the left.

What Our Members Are Saying

"I love the work you are doing at Brightwood. Your efforts have shone a light on the essential elements of the park that we all cherish: its natural beauty and tranquility."

"I have a deep fondness for Brightwood park and would like to see it restored, remain natural and continue to be a site of passive recreation."

"I loved growing up in Brightwood Park !"

"I found Brightwood a few years ago and it's a great place to find wildlife, fish, and enjoy nature. Nice and quiet; good place to un wind and relax. Love it!!!"

"As a resident for almost thirty years in the Brightwood area of Westfield, I am thrilled to see what is happening to improve and preserve Brightwood park for today and future generations. "

Contact Us

Donate

Become a Member! We'd Love to Have You Join Us.