Urban Biodiversity Matters: Reducing Invasive Species Together
Invasive plants are non-native species that can rapidly take over an area. They grow quickly and compete with our local plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Because there are no natural enemies to control them, these invasive plants can cause serious harm to our environment, economy, wildlife, and even human health.
For example, invasive plants can crowd out important trees that give us shade, habitat for animals, clean air, and help store carbon. They can also break down the soil, leading to problems like erosion, flooding, and poor water quality.
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A key part of our efforts is the City’s Native Plant Ordinance. Native plant species have evolved over thousands of years to thrive in our local environment and play essential roles in supporting local ecosystems, including providing food sources for pollinators. By increasing the planting of native plants, we help create a more diverse and balanced ecosystem, which can aid in preventing the further spread of invasive species.
The City makes sure that at least 75% of new plants in our public parks are native, and at least 50% of new trees on our streets are native as well. We know that urban trees face many challenges, which is why some non-invasive, non-native trees may also be planted to ensure they survive and add other benefits like wildlife habitat, carbon uptake, and urban cooling.
Additionally, we actively remove invasive species from our public spaces and prevent them from spreading further. Specialized horticulturists care for 12 city parks, and we have guidelines in place for landscape maintenance to keep our spaces healthy and thriving.
This summer, the Somerville Public Space and Urban Forestry Division is teaming with the Urban Forestry Committee and local ecological organizations to update our list of most invasive species and management guidelines. Meanwhile, we recommend using the Invasive Species guidelines on the Town of Natick website.
Community involvement is crucial in managing invasive plants and supporting biodiversity. Here are some ways you can pitch in:
- Learn to identify and control invasive plants on your own property, following removal guidelines specific to each plant. Many invasive plants must be pulled from the root and disposed of in sealed garbage collection bags rather than yard waste bins, but some plants require different removal methods.
- See photos and guidelines from the Town of Natick while we update Somerville’s list.
- This three-pager from the Native Plant Trust succinctly outlines plant-specific removal methods.
- Use the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group’s invasive plant management calendar for a general timeline while we work on a calendar specific to Somerville’s current climate.
- Be in the know on the go, with this printable pocket-sized Invasive Plant Field Guide from Earthwise Aware.
- Report sightings of invasive plants to EDDMapS or to iNaturalist. Include a count and location in your observations. These online resources also have phone apps. The data helps professionals track and control invasive species.
- Get kids involved by making a game of spotting invasives, like “Pokémon Go” or “I Spy”.
- Join volunteer events to remove invasives, such as those hosted by the Mystic River Watershed Association.
- Become a citizen scientist by joining participatory science groups, such as those facilitated by local non-profit Earthwise Aware.
- Avoid decorating with invasive plants. Some plants that are invasive in Massachusetts are commonly used in holiday decorations, such as English Ivy, Oriental Bittersweet and Multiflora Rose.
- Choose plants with ecological value. The Somerville Pollinator Action Plan is an excellent resource for plant selections and garden “recipe cards” that support biodiversity.
- Spread the word. The more people know about invasive species, the better we can tackle the problem. Share information with your friends and neighbors!
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