INVASIVE SPECIES

An invasive species is any species—plant, animal, fungus, microorganism—that is not native to a region and that is likely to cause harm to the environment, economy, or public health. They can be found on the land, in the water, or even in our backyards. Invasive species compete with native plants and animals for space, nutrients, and/or water. Once an infestation is established, invasive species damage forests, destroy wildlife habitat, take over fields and wetlands, dominate waterways, ruin crops, and cause human health problems.

For more information please check out the Finger Lakes PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) 

And thanks to the Adirondack Botanical Society for sharing this ADK Invasive Species Fact Sheet  (which are similar to the Finger Lakes). 

 LESSER CELANDINE and GARLIC MUSTARD

One of our members brought the infestation of lesser celandine at Mertensia Park to our attention.  Lesser celandine is often mistaken for our native marsh marigold.  Lesser celandine is now growing at Mertensia Park where we had seen hundreds of bluebells in past years.  Helping to eradicate the lesser celandine now may help to restore the patches of bluebells in the future.  These photos were taken on April 29, 2023.

Yellow rings indicates lesser celandine (where we saw bluebells in past years)

lesser celandine invasive which needs to be dug out with tubers - do not compost!

looking south from the bridge at Mertensia Park where bluebells have grown in past years

We will be meeting at Mertensia Park on Thursday, May 18th at 3:30 PM to dig as much lesser celandine as possible.  PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING US!! Let us know you are planning to help by sending us an email to canandaiguabotanical@gmail.com.

     Also a growing concern at Mertesia is the increase of garlic mustard over the years.  This could/should be pulled out and removed/bagged, preferably before it seeds.