Invasive Exotic Plantson the Appalachian Trail

John OdellResource Management Coordinator

What is an invasive exotic plant?

Exotic – a species that exists outside of its native range (aka: non-native, alien, foreign, non-indigenous)

Exotic species have been introduced for livestock forage, human consumption, soil retention, ornamental purposes, or by accident

Invasive – an aggressive species that causes ecosystem disturbance and exhibits the following traits:

rapid growth and spreadestablishes over large areas and persistsrobust vegetative growthhigh reproductive ratelack of natural controls

Why are IE plants a problem?

Invasive exotic plants out-complete native plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients causing a decline in native biodiversity

Species loss Reduced habitat diversity (monocultures)Reduced food availability for herbivores (less diverse, less palatable food sources)

Altered ecological functions • Natural succession• Soil chemistry• Hydrology• Fire regime• Nutrient cycling / ecosystem efficiency

Tree mortality from girdling or over-burdeningEconomic, cultural, and aesthetic impacts

IE Plant Management on the A.T.

Inventory prioritized by rare plant occurrences, IE vectors, accessibility

Control work performed by volunteers Early Detection Rapid Response

Communication with Trail maintaining clubs to identify and control invasive exotic plants

Education through workshops, publicity, conferences

Collaboration (SACWMP, Trail Clubs, Agency Partners, Volunteers)

Inventory on the A.T.

Control work on the A.T.

How can you make a difference?

Learn about invasive plants and how to identify them

Clean boots, equipment, tires, and pets to prevent seed dispersal

Get involved in volunteer monitoring and control efforts

Remove invasives from your own backyard (small or large, you can make a difference)

Plant natives in your yard and gardens!

Know the source of fill dirt, gravel, and manure

Spread the word! Tell friends and family the importance of preserving native ecosystems

16 Species of Focus

Shrubs• Multiflora rose• Privet• Japanese spiraea• Japanese knotweed• Butterfly bush

Trees• Tree of Heaven• Autumn Olive• Princess Tree

Vines• Oriental bittersweet• Japanese honeysuckle• English ivy• Porcelain Berry• Kudzu

Grasses / Groundcovers• Japanese stiltgrass• Chinese silvergrass• Garlic Mustard

Suggested Reading

GET INVOLVED!

John OdellResource Management Coordinator

(828) 254-3708

jodell@appalachiantrail.org

www.appalachiantrail.org/invasive