NOTE: This weeks’ blog space is taken over by White Lake Preserve Manager Aaron Rosado -
Hey everyone, Aaron here - Greetings from White Lake!
Happy Summer! Here at White Lake, we are feeling the full effects of the season!
(An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail fanning out its wings on a Wild Bergamot)
The lake, meadows, and along the trails are all lively with a plethora of flora and fauna! However, not every plant and animal you see is a native species. In fact, a good amount of what you notice will actually be considered invasive species.
(A common invasive plant, Multiflora Rose, is seen in a meadow where it shows early stages of Rose Rosette Disease, a viral rose disease spread by mites.)
The problem with invasive species is they disrupt ecosystems. Invasive plants and animals can thrive and spread aggressively due to the lack of native predators. This can result in detrimental consequences, like causing damage to habitats or “replacing” native species.
(The highly invasive Phragmites is seen taking over the lakeshore. It has already made its presence around the perimeter of the lake)
(The highly invasive Phragmites is seen taking over the lakeshore. It has already made its presence around the perimeter of the lake)
Preventive actions can be taken on invasives, such as spraying herbicide, physical removal, and constant vigilance. For example, when taking out an aquatic vessel, be sure to clean and inspect for any plant matter on your kayak, paddle board, and oars before going out on the water. The same should be done with fishing equipment, hooks, baits, and lures.
(Native Butterfly Milkweed is seen hosting a couple of bumblebees. Butterflies, bees, and birds are examples of pollinators, organisms that help the transfer of pollen so flowering plants can reproduce.)
So, the next time you walk outside, try and see what plants and animals are native and which are invasive. The more you know, the more you can help in joining us in reducing invasive spread and promotion of native species!
See you out on the trails (or the lake!) -
Until then-
Aaron