Invaders in Your Backyard April 2, 2011

Did you know there were invaders right in your own backyard? What are invasive plants, why are they bad, and what can you do to rid your yard of them? Many exotic plants that may have started out as innocent additions to gardens have since escaped and are now putting tremendous pressure on our local flora and fauna. Purple loosestrife, Japanese barberry, Asiatic bittersweet, glossy buckthorn, black swallowwort, garlic mustard, Norway maple, and yellow iris are just a few of the non-native species that are threatening the natural ecosystems around us. And wait, there's more! Learn about invasives of new concern such as mile-a-minute vine. Learn how to identify these plants and find out what the state is doing to manage invasive species. Following a PowerPoint presentation, we will venture out onto the sanctuary to see many of these plants firsthand and discuss eradication techniques. A free copy of A Guide to Invasive Plants of Massachusetts is included with the class. Registration is required. Call 978-887-9264 for details. See http://www.massaudubon.org/catalog/listing.php?program_code=967-IP11SP1 for more information.