Last day of settingup a Butterfly Garden

http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu

What Is An Invasive Plant?

Of the more than 4,000 plant species found in Florida, 1,300 or more are non-native or exotic; they come from other countries or regions within the U.S. At least 130 of these exotic plants are spreading rapidly throughout our natural areas and private lands. When they cause environmental or economic harm, they are considered to be invasive

So, what’s The Problem?

In their native ranges, plants generally do not become a nuisance. Today, with modern transportation, many exotic plants have caught a free ride to Florida. Once they arrive, they are free from natural enemies that existed in their home range (insects, diseases, etc.). And can outgrow and replace Florida’s native plants. 

·         When Invasive Plants Replace Native Plants:

·         Native plants can be permanently eliminated, diminishing Florida’s natural diversity;

·         Animals that use native plants are often unable to adapt, so they leave the area or die out;

·         Invasive aquatic plants can completely fill the water column so that fish and wildlife are driven from the area.

Why Should We Care?

Invasive plants are costing Floridians a lot of money; millions of taxpayer dollars are spent to control them. If not kept in check, invasive plants can create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos, cause serious navigation blockages, and major flooding problems during storms. Boating, swimming, hiking and other uses of natural areas can also be made difficult even dangerous, by invasive plant infestations.

Keeping Things under Control

After much research, we know that some invasive plant species will never be eradicated in Florida; they simply reproduce too fast. So now, the strategy is to keep infestations at the lowest feasible levels.

This helps lessen overall environmental damage; it maintains habitat for native wildlife; and it keeps the plants from damaging bridges and flood control structures. It also reduces the total amount of herbicides needed over the long term

Natural Systems Management

Invasive plants threaten our natural plant communities and pose great ecological and financial impacts to us. Millions of dollars are spent each year in the United States to fight these exotic plants.

Protecting the Composition of Natural Plant Communities

These plants adapt quickly and spread rapidly with little or no predators. Ecologically, these plants change the composition of natural plant communities, deplete the soil of nutrients and moisture, block sunlight to native plants and can prevent access to water. Areas with non-native invasive species tend to become monocultures and greatly reduce habitat diversity.

For each of this, there is a plan. Unless you are an authorized volunteer for a park, do not take action yourself. But also, when purchasing plants for your garden, purchase native plants.

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/parks/invasive_plant_manage_plan.html

If you would like to get involved contact: Volunteering your time helps fill in the gaps, where funding is sparce and is very rewarding.

In Pasco County

Katie Mac Millen
Pasco County Environmental Lands Division
8731 Citizen Dr., Suite 320
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Phone: (727) 847-8140 x8333

Frederick J. Buckman
Parks and Recreation Director
4111 Land O' Lakes Blvd.
Suite 202
Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
Phone:  (813) 929-2760

In Pinellas County

Jonathan Skinner
Volunteer Coordinator at Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources

12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33774

Phone: (727) 549-6137
jskinner@pinellascounty.org